On January 8, 2023, God in His infinite wisdom, summoned Ernest Ray from his earthly labor to his heavenly rest.   Ernest was born on December 8, 1932, to the late James and Mary (Johnson-Latta) Ray, in Allamance County, North Carolina. He was educated in the public schools of Allamance County. After graduation he worked various jobs in Durham, North Carolina.

In 1955, while in Durham, he met the love of his life Grayce Kinney-Dixon and her five year old daughter, Theresa LaNelle. After a seven year courtship they married on August 27, 1962.

Shortly after they married, seeking better job opportunities, Ernest relocated to Washington, D.C. and soon found employment with Nello-Tier in their asphalt highway department. In 1979 , he went to work at the National Asphalt Company, as an Asphalt Plant Operator, under the supervision of Tim Boone. Ernest remained there until he retired in 1998. However, Ernest and Tim became more than co-workers, they forged a friendship that lasted over 40 years, until Ernest's death.

Ernest and Grayce joined Franklin P. Nash United Methodist Church in 1985. He was a hard working, dedicated, and faithful, member and remained active until his health prevented him from attending. Ernest was a member of the Senior Choir, Men's Choir, Trustees, Church Council and the Usher Board. He loved giving out peppermints to each person as they entered the church and was affectionately called the "Candy Man." He loved sharing his testimony about the goodness of the Lord, often singing "He's Done So Much For Me, I Cannot Tell It All, a song that the church family and friends loved to hear him sing. He was a strong pillar of Nash and his presence, kindness, thoughtfulness and dedication will be missed so much by the church family.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Ray, wife Grayce K. Ray, brothers Ralph, Cleother, William and Billy Ray , sisters Cora and Margaret, three sisters-in law, Reotha, Beatrice, and Louise, two brothers-in law Udie and Archie.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Theresa LaNelle Berry, of Suitland, MD, one step-daughter, Roxanna Cotton, of Madison, TN, one brother Clyde Ray of Baltimore, MD, one sister–in-law, Anna Ray of Bronx, NY, three very special friends, Patricia Mosby, Tim Boone, Bill Newman, and a host of nephews, nieces, friends and his beloved church family.