Douglas Tillman Ray

Douglas Tilman Ray, a native of Franklin County, passed away at the age of 90. Born on August 19, 1936, Douglas grew up in the close-knit farming community of Pilot, North Carolina.

In his youth, Douglas attended Bunn High School, where he made lasting memories on the baseball field. An avid athlete, he took great pride in playing catcher for the school's baseball team-a role that showcased his steady presence, focus, and lifelong love for the game.

Baseball would later play a fateful role in his personal life. On a hot summer day in 1968, Douglas was at Raleigh's historic Devereux Meadow ballpark when he crossed paths with Jean and her young daughter, Jill, who had come out to enjoy a game. That chance meeting sparked a beautiful love story, and the two were later married. When Douglas married Jean, his family grew to include two daughters, Jeana and Jill, whom he loved, cherished, and raised as his own.

Following his high school graduation, Douglas proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserves. After his military service, he sought to further his education and expand his opportunities, enrolling in Hardbarger Business College in Raleigh. Armed with a sharp mind and strong business acumen, he stepped confidently into a lifelong career in the automotive industry. Douglas spent his distinguished career as the finance credit manager at Bobby Murray Chevrolet, a position he held with immense pride and loyalty until his retirement. Known for his trustworthy guidance and genuine dedication to helping others, he was a respected fixture at the dealership for decades, forming deep connections with his colleagues and the community he served.

Douglas was a man of deep faith, civic duty, and community spirit. For many years, he was a dedicated member of Temple Baptist Church in Raleigh. Alongside Jean, Douglas found great joy in the church community, especially through their involvement in their weekly Sunday school class and the SSS Club. He was also an active member of the New Hope Wilders Grove Exchange Club, dedicating his time to community service. An enthusiastic sports fan, Douglas and Jean were longtime, passionate members of the Wolfpack Club, always cheering on NC State and loving nothing more than to 'Back the Pack.'

Douglas was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Jean Ray, who passed away in 2009; his beloved brothers, Robert Ray and George Ray; and his dear sister, Brunetta Ray Taylor.

He is survived by his devoted daughters, Jeana (and her husband, Ricky) and Jill; his loving sister, Janie Ray Strickland; his beloved grandchildren, Pastor Jason Corn (and his wife, Dawn), Jessica Corn, and Emillie (and her partner, Austin); and his cherished great-grandsons, Josiah, Micah, and Levi Ray. He is also survived by his eagerly anticipated great-grandson, Karter Rae, as well as a wide community of friends, neighbors, and fellow Wolfpack fans who will deeply miss his steady, kind presence.

A graveside memorial service celebrating Douglas's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in the Mausoleum at Historic Oakwood Cemetery (701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27601).

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Raleigh. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com