East Stone Gap, VA – Ann Carter Ray, 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap. She was a 1951 graduate of East Stone Gap High School and had worked 20 years as an LPN at Lonesome Pine Hospital. Ann was a member of the East Stone Gap Methodist Church for over 50 years. She loved to knit, sew and especially work puzzle books. Ann loved her Lord, reading her Bible daily and was heavily involved in her church’s activities.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Uless Ray and her son, John Clinton Ray.
Ann is survived by her nephews, David Carter (Kellie) of Big Stone Gap and Bruce Carter, II, Virginia Beach, Va.; her nieces, Donna Cridlin, Jonesville, Va., Carol Ann Riccadonna (Dan), Weirton, W. Va. and Jamie Minor (Frankie), Dryden, Va.; several great nieces and a great nephew; and sister-in-law, Anna Duncan, Dryden, Va.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Julie Stanley for the outstanding loving care that she provided for Ann, and to Emma Delph and Becky Riley who were special friends and neighbors. Also, special members of East Stone Gap Methodist Church and Rick DeBolt for their assistance at church and Valley Fire and Rescue Squad.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 5:30-7:00 pm at East Stone Gap Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 am at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, VA. Family and friends will meet at Gilliam Funeral Home by 10:20 am Friday to go in procession to the cemetery.
Andrew Taylor, Jr., Ralph Gilley, Steve Neeley, Ryan Witt, Lemuel Wells and William “Bill Snyder will serve as pallbearers, with Tim Stanley serving as honorary pallbearer.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Ann Ray.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.