Steward Charles Ray, Jr. of 2116 Dorris Street, Cordele, Georgia, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Cordele Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Davis Chapel CME Church in Arabi, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Little Rock Church Cemetery in Arabi, Georgia.

Steward Charles Ray, Jr. was born October 27, 1949, in Cordele, Georgia.  He was born to Chairman Deacon Charles Roy "CR" Ray, Sr. and Mother Luecinda Barrett Ray.

Charles was educated in the Crisp County Public School System.

A faithful member of the Davis Chapel CME Church, he served faithfully over the years.  He was a dedicated Usher and had served as Vice Chairman of the Steward Board.

He enjoyed cooking, spending time with his family and friends, with that unforgettable laughter.  He took great pleasure in planting, harvesting, and sharing his vegetables from his garden.

Charles was employed by Harris Press of Cordele, Georgia as one of their top Welders for over 40 years.

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, he said farewell to this earthly life.  Charles was preceded in death by his father, Deacon Charles Roy "CR" Ray, Sr.; his mother, Mother Luecinda Barrett Ray, and his brother, Deacon Godfrey Ray.

Charles leaves cherished memories to his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Bertha Deriso Ray; his loving and devoted children, Mrs. Angela Buckholts (Dennis) of  Pinehurst, Georgia, Mr. Bobby Ray (Timico) of Cordele, Georgia, Missionary Anquaria Coney of Vero Beach,  Florida, Ms. LaShunda Coley of Perry, Georgia, and Mrs. Angela Wright (Anthony) of Cordele, Georgia; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; five loving sisters, Mrs. Josephine Knight and Mrs. Nelsa Singleton both of Palm Bay, Florida, Mrs. Betty Brown of Jacksonville, Florida, Mrs. Marilyn  Harper of Cordele, Georgia, and Dr. Jennifer Ray of Savannah, Georgia; his caring brothers, Reverend Lorenda Ray (fiancé Fannie Pollock) of   Cordele, Georgia and Deacon Ronnie Ray (Minister Sheryl) of Cordele, Georgia; his sister-in-law, Mrs. Brenda Ray of Moultrie, Georgia; a host of nieces and nephews; many and sorrowing friends, to include Steward Willie James Barrett, Sr. and Mr. Leonard Ray both of Cordele, Georgia.