Johnnie Lee Ray, 75, affectionately known as “Jidee” departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter,after an extended illness. Born in Sumter on June 1, 1948, he was a beloved son of the late Rosa Lee Ray and Joseph Gallishaw. He was educated in the Sumter County Public School System and was employed for several years as machine operator for Garney from whom he retired. At a young age, Johnnie joined Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church in Woodrow. Johnnie loved playing checkers, taking photos, doing yardwork and spending time with family and friends. Those who will forever cherish fond and precious memories of Johnnie Lee Ray are his wife of 56 years, Mary Francis Ray; a son, Johnny “Ricky” Alonzo Ray and a daughter, Pearline “Weezel” Cabbagestalk all of Sumter; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; ten sisters, Elizabeth Ray, Lillie (Leroy) Richardson, Rosetta Ray, Mary Brisbon and Betty J. Ray all of Sumter, Earlene (John) Graves of Fayetteville, NC, Gloria (James) Diggs of Duncan, and Joanne, Ruby Mae, Mary Elizabeth Gallishaw all of Brooklyn, NY; eight brothers, James (Zinta) Ray of Hopkins, Willie Ray of Sumter, Michael (Michelle) Ray, of Tulsa, OK and Willie James, Herbert Lee, Dexter, Kenneth and Thomas Lee Gallishaw all of Brooklyn, NY; brothers-in-law, James (Elsie) Jennings and Tony Jennings all of Sumter, and sisters-in-law, Sandy (Larry) Wilson and Catherine (Marion) Brunson all of Sumter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Johnnie was also preceded in death by his great-grandmother, Lydia Ray; brothers, Freddie Ray, Sr. and Frank Ray, Jr, and sister, Eva Gallishaw. In accordance with the COVID 19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation from 3:00 – 7:00 p. m. at the home, 107 Orange Street, Woodrow. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a. m., Friday, December 15, 2023 at Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church, 2738 Woodrow Road, Woodrow, with the Rev. Dr. R L. Brown, Pastor, Presiding and the Rev. T. J. Slater, Jr., Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 10:30 a. m. for viewing until time of the services. The Funeral procession will leave the home at 11:00 a. m.. Burial will be in the Colclough Cemetery, Dubose Siding Road, Sumter.
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