Garnett Emory Ray, Jr.

Garnett Emory Ray, Jr., 78, of Whitesville, GA died Monday, June 12, 2023 unexpectedly at his home.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Friday, June 16, 2023 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Gene Boyd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Mr. Ray was born February 19, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Garnett Emory Ray, Sr. and Virginia Cole Ray. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1963.  He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Social Science in Education in 1969 from Georgia Southern College, a Masters of Education in 1977 from Columbus College and his Specialist in Education from West Georgia College in 1991.  He also enlisted in the Navy where he served honorably for four years.

While in the Navy, he was stationed in Thurso, Scotland where he met his wife of 52 years, Maureen.  Upon returning to the United States, they settled in Harris County in the Fortson community.  In 1972, Mr. Ray began his career as a history teacher at Mountain Hill Elementary School and assumed the role of principal in 1980 where he remained until he retired in 2011. During that time, Mr. Ray was very active in the community coaching baseball, football and acting as a boy scout leader.  He enriched thousands of lives over the years, leaving a lasting impression on all.

Mr. Ray is preceded in death by his father, Garnett Emory Ray, Sr., his mother Virginia Cole Ray, and his nephew Wesley Ray.

Mr. Ray is survived not only by his wife, Maureen Findlay Ray, son, Garnett Emory Ray, III (Jennifer), daughter, Anne Ray Prater (Anthony), grandchildren Justin, Emily, Austin and Findlay, sisters, Kitty Stringfellow and Harriett Turpin, and brother, Ernie Ray (Tammy), but he also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and other family members here in the United States and abroad, as well his Mountain Hill Elementary family.

His family will remember him as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and educator.

Flowers are accepted however in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to New Mountain Hill Elementary School care of The Harris County Board of Education Office at 132 Barnes Mill Road, Hamilton, GA 31811.