Reverend Jackie D. Ray

Jackie D Ray, 75, of Central, SC, passed away on March 20, 2026. Jackie was born in Waynesville, NC to the late Jack and Helen Ray.

Jackie spent his childhood in the Bethel and Canton areas of North Carolina. He graduated from Pisgah Senior High, where he played football and drove a school bus. After high school, he enrolled in diesel mechanic school, but his plans changed when the girl he picked up on his bus route enrolled in Central Wesleyan College (Southern Wesleyan) in Central, SC. He followed that girl, Blanche Cox, down the mountain and enrolled at Central Wesleyan too.

Jackie’s heart was to serve the Lord and His people. He earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Wesleyan University in ministry. He served in ministry for 50 years in different churches across the North Carolina District and South Carolina District of the Wesleyan Church. He faithfully served the Lord with his wife, Blanche, by his side. As dedicated minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Jackie gave his life in service to His kingdom.

Jackie was a son, brother, husband, father, papaw, and friend. He took great pride in his family. Jackie cherished Blanche and devoted his time to caring for her. They celebrated 55 wonderful years in June of 2025. He was extremely proud of his boys and enjoyed the time he spent doing working with them. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He would often get caught sneaking them coke and sweet treats! He always had sweets and wanted to share them. Jackie was always attending the grandkid’s ball games, recitals, field trips, and school events. He loved to spend time with family watching the Tar Heel games, eating a good meal, and taking vacations. He will be remembered for his affection, hard work ethic, silliness, and snacks!

Jackie is survived by his sons, Dr. Brian Ray (Shannon), Jason Ray (Sabrina), and Dr. Josh Ray (Rhonda); sister, Patricia Smith, (Ray); grandchildren, Drayden Ray (Lily), Meredith Moore (Kyle), Grayson Ray (Madison), Faith Rodriguez (Jon-Luke), Olivia Ray, Taygan Ray (Savannah), Abbey Milliken (Alex), Claire Ray, Nali Ray, Sawyer Ray, Eli Ray, Sincere Ray, and Silas Ray; great-grandchildren, Nora Ray, Dutton Ray, Harper Moore, Esther Moore, Emerson Rodriguez, and Gideon Ray.

In addition to his parents, Jackie is preceded in death by his wife, Blanche.

A visitation will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 12:30-1:45 pm at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

A funeral service will follow in the chapel of the funeral home starting at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow the service at Mount Zion Cemetery.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.