COLUMBUS, Ga. – Ret. Major Charles C. Ray Jr., 63, of Columbus, GA died Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service was held on Monday, August 29, 2011 at The Infantry Chapel with Chaplain Capt. Timothy Fary officiating. Interment with full military honors was held in Ft. Benning Main Post Cemetery.

Mr. Ray was born October 7, 1947 in Sanford, N.C. son of Mary Privott Ray of Mamers, N.C. and the late Charles C. Ray, Sr. He retired from the U.S. Army with over 21 years of service as a Major having served in Vietnam. During his military career he received decorations to include: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infrantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and Valor, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was Presbyterian by faith.

Survivors other than his mother include his loving wife, Elke Ray of Columbus, GA; daughter, Christiane Ray (Chris) of Columbus, GA; son, Sean Ray of Columbus, GA; two brothers, Mike Ray (Shelia) of Mamers, NC and Duncan Ray (Mary) of Raleigh, NC; sister, Mary Grace Mason (Terrence) of Charlotte, NC; and four grandchildren, Ryan Kinsey of LaGrange, GA, Kayla Ray of LaGrange, GA, Maddy Ray of LaGrange, GA and Gracie Massengale of Columbus, GA.

Memorials may be made to your local VA Hospital, your local school PTO, Leaflett Presbyterian Church, c/o Jeff Thomas, 10816 Old US 421, Broadway, NC  27552, or to the First Presbyterian Church, 120 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC  27601, or to the American Heart Association, 3015 S. Memorial Dr. Suite A, Greenville, NC  27834