Obituary for Robert Creech Ray Jr
Robert “Robby” Creech Ray Jr., 80, passed away on September 19th, 2025. He was born in Barnwell, SC on March 19th, 1945 to the late Robert Creech Ray Sr. and Dorothy Sanders Ray.
He was a devoted and loving husband to his beloved Bonnie for over 61 years (June 2, 1964 – Present). His love for her never wavered, and he remained steadfast in his care, commitment, and devotion throughout their life together.
He was a wonderful father to Angela and Alan, a proud Papa to three beautiful granddaughters and a handsome grandson, and a deeply cherished Great Papa to two amazing great-grandchildren. His family was the joy of his life, and he poured his heart into each of them.
After graduating from Barnwell High School in 1963, he began his career with Milliken, where he worked faithfully for 42 years. He retired in 2005 as Developmental Supervisor of the Dye House, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, dedication, and quiet leadership.
Those who knew Robby recognized him as a man of deep faith. He was a strong believer in the power of prayer. He lived his life in service to the Lord and to others. At Friendship Baptist Church, he was elected the youngest Deacon in the church’s history, just the beginning of decades of spiritual leadership. Robby led the Men’s Sunday School Class, served on the youth committee, and regularly led church assemblies. He was a faithful presence in the pews every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday night. His passion for sharing the Gospel was unwavering; he wanted everyone he met to know Jesus Christ and the salvation found only through Him.
He also found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was an avid fisherman, always catching more than enough to share with family, friends, and neighbors. His garden, planted each spring, was a generous offering, not only to feed his own family, but to bless others in the community. Robby had a deep compassion for those in need, always ready to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, share a meal, or give thoughtful advice.
A pillar of his community, Robby’s quiet strength, humility, and integrity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love will live on through the countless lives he touched.
In closing, there are a few words I’d like to leave you with that best describe Robby. The husband, father, Papa, Great Papa, and friend: Godly, Christian, kind, caring, loving, respectful, fearless, giving, gentle, generous, humble. He was all of this and so much more. Robby Ray was truly a great man. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Bonnie Creech Ray; son Alan (Maxine) Ray of Edisto Beach, SC; daughter Angela Ray (Marc) Black of Barnwell, SC; grandchildren Dillan Black, Lauren (Carrington) Marsh, Shelby (Josh) Player, and Emily (Tilton) McCrea; great-grandchildren Brooklyn Marsh and Oliver Henderson; as well as his sisters Fay Jean Sanders and Nancy Foster. He is preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Ray.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 26th, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church, with funeral services following in the church at 1:00 PM. Graveside will be held at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Jim Parnell will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church. 5801 Friendship Rd., Barnwell, SC 29812.
To plant a tree in memory of Robert Creech Ray Jr, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
26
Sep
12:00 PM
- 1:00 PM
Friendship Baptist Church
5801 Friendship Rd.
Barnwell, SC 29812
Service
Friday
26
Sep
1:00 PM
Friendship Baptist Church
5801 Friendship Rd.
Barnwell, SC 29812
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