Fairmont
Mr. Ray Chavis, 83, of 10508 South Chicken Road, was born May 26, 1924 in Robeson County. He departed this life on Sunday, June 24, 2007 at Sunbridge Care and Rehab in Pembroke.
Mr. Ray, as he was affectionately known, was preceded in death by his parents: Alfred Franklin & Ethel Locklear Chavis; three sisters: Agnes Chavis Godalla, Francis Chavis Panko and Mary Ellen Chavis; Four Brothers: Samuel Vernon Chavis, Carlton Hayes Chavis, Alfred Chavis, Jr. and his twin brother: Russell Chavis.
After completing a tour in the US Army infantry, in the European theatre of World War II, Mr. Ray entered what is now the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. For more that thirty-five years, he was an elementary school teacher and 4-H leader at Fairgrove School, in addition, he was a recipient of the LRDA Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. Mr. Ray was a lifelong member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church and for forty-two years he served faithfully as Sunday School Superintendent. Moreover, Ray Chavis was a devoted and passionate Educator, Historian and Community Leader.
The funeral will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, June 28, 2007, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Michael Cummings officiating. Burial will follow in the Lumbee Memorial Gardens.
Surviving are two sons/nephews: Jeffery Brooks and wife: Coleen of Pembroke and Ricky Brooks and wife: June of Laurinburg; two sisters: Flora Chavis Ransom of Lumberton and Janet Chavis Burnette and husband: Glen of Fairmont; also nieces and nephews: Gwen Long of Folsom, PA, Sandy Burkle of Wilmington, DE, Janet Long of Fairmont, Dr. Glen Burnette, Jr. of Lumberton, Phillip Burnette of Garner, Betty Ann Merriman of Raleigh, Dr. Cheryl Locklear of Pembroke, Angie Maynor of Greenville, SC, David Ransom of Lumberton, Eddie Panko of Boothwyn, PA, Carlton Chavis of Taylor Mill, KY and Bryan Chavis of Washington, DC and a host of relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 27, 2007, from 7-9 p.m. at Locklear & Son Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 North Michigan Ave., FL.17, Chicago, Illinois 60601-7633 and to Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Fairmont, NC 28340.
