Gerald Edward Ray

October 10, 1942 - October 12, 2020

Mr. Gerald Edward Ray, of Swords Creek, formerly of Cedar Bluff, VA, passed away peacefully at Carillion Tazewell Community Hospital, early Monday morning, October 12, 2020, following a long illness, with his niece, Debbie Ratliff, by his side. She had promised him not to leave him alone, and she made good on that promise. His 78th Birthday was observed by his family on October 10. He was born in Richlands, VA, a son of Mary Moore Ray and Ira Clearance Ray. He resided his whole life in the Cedar Bluff and Swords Creek area. He was a coal miner by trade. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, John “Bud” Ray, and Jeffery Dean Ray, and one niece, Sheila Kinder Oliver. He is survived by his companion of 29 years, Loretta Jones, of Swords Creek, two granddaughters of the heart, Lyric Faith, and Kyra Paige Cook of Richlands, and their children, his great grandchildren of the heart, two sons, Greg and Tim Ray, of the Cedar Bluff and Bandy area, two granddaughters; and two grandsons of the heart, Jamie and Ryan Stacy and their children. Three Sisters, Dottie Ray Wingo, and husband, Mike of Cedar Bluff; Sylvia Jean Hall, also of Cedar Bluff; and Donna “Dee” Compton of Martin, KY, and two brothers, Jim Ray and wife, Pat of Cedar Bluff; and Franklin Dee Ray, and companion, Linda Dodd of Sorrento, FL. Several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive. We know without a doubt, he’s walking on the streets of Gold today, because after being unresponsive for two days, he awoke, very strong, asked for one to pray, and one to go. Pastor Jimi Watson came very quickly to pray. Gerald sang, kept time with the music for about 45 minutes after the Pastor left. He became unresponsive again late on Saturday, and never responded again. The family would like to thank the medical personnel and staff of Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital for their wonderful care of him and care and treatment of our family during his last days. A memorial service for Mr. Gerald Edward Ray will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, VA with family and friends officiating. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com