Charles B. Ray, 34

Charles B. Ray, son of Lana Eckard Ray and the late George Calvert Ray, was born January 4, 1979. He died Monday, November 25, 2013 after sustaining fatal injuries in an automobile accident. Charles was a graduate of Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, VA and attended Mars Hill College, Mars Hill, NC.

He will be best remembered for his equestrian awards which include numerous state titles and a third place in the American Saddlebred Equitation division at the World’s Championship. His love for life and friends will be forever with us.

In addition to his mother, Charles is survived by one brother, George Calvert Ray, Jr. of Conover; uncle, Lewis P. Eckard; aunt, Sheila E. Lail; cousins, Gina and Heather Lail; and grandmother, Pauline R. Eckard; all of the Hickory area.

A Celebration of Life was held November 30, 2013 at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension with the Rev. Karla Woggan officiating. Burial followed in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The American Diabetes Association, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202 or The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 726 1st Ave NW, Hickory, NC 28601.