Oliver Ray Register

Oliver "Ray" Register, age 92, of Garner NC left this Earth for his Heavenly Home on February 14th, 2026 at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Kinston NC. He was born on September 10th, 1933 to the late Noah and Veamith Register.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirlene Johnson Register and his sisters Inez Neville and Joyce Merritt.

Ray is survived by his loving children Renee R. Boone (William) of Garner, Lisa R. Hoeger (Raymond) of Garner, Anthony R. Register (Kris) of Garner, and his sister Hortense Tart of Fayetteville.

In addition, Ray is survived by his cherished Grandchildren Ryan Boone (Laura Lynn), Vance Shell (Rebecca), Derick Shell (Beth), Jake Register (Heidi), Delaney Carter (Lee), and Stacey Brunet as well as his beloved Great Grandchildren Nathan Boone, Sadie Boone, Addie Boone, Jaxton Shell, Wesley Shell, Reid Carter, Olivia Register, Aubrey Findeisen, McKenzie Dooley, and Asher Dooley.

Ray was born in Sampson County and grew up in Dunn NC, helping on his family's farm. He met the love of his life, Shirlene, in 1951. After just one date, he knew she was "the one" and asked her to wait for him, as he had enlisted to serve in the US Navy. He spent his military tour on the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge, counting the days to be back in NC with Shirlene. They married on November 21, 1954 and began their life together, eventually settling in Garner NC. Together they welcomed, raised and loved their three children - Renee, Lisa and Anthony - and graciously extended that same unconditional love to their children's spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren that followed. Ray's number one priority was doing anything possible and whatever was needed to make his family happy. He always enjoyed sitting back in his recliner quietly, listening to the hum at family gatherings, and smiling at being surrounded by those that brought him immense joy. He especially loved watching his grandchildren grow and learn, always giving them extra attention and hugs, telling them "luv ya" when they parted.

Ray and Shirlene established Garner Appliance Service and Ray, always willing to help someone find the solution to a problem, continued to repair appliances for customers, friends and family until he was 85 years old. He had many repeat and faithful clients who always called on "Mr. Ray" for help.

Ray had many interests throughout his life - he enjoyed coaching Garner Little League Baseball, he looked forward to the spirited weekend poker games that were held in his barn, he spent many afternoons deer hunting in the Garner area as well as in Jackson NC, and he loved going to auctions with Shirlene to find countless treasures and socialize with friends. Always a smile on his face, he made friends everywhere he went.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 20th at 2:00 with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, Garner NC

The family would like to thank the staff of the Memory Care Unit at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Kinston and Pruitt Hospice for the wonderful care and attention given to Ray during his time there. They stepped in with an abundance of love and tenderness and always made him feel comfortable and well cared for.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in memory of Ray Register to Broken Wing Fellowship Church, 1837 E. Garner Rd, Raleigh NC 27610

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28