Mr. William Chandler Ray

February 16, 1933 - March 27, 2016

CWO4 William Chandler Ray, 83, of Royston, GA passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2016, at his home. Mr. Ray was born on February 16, 1933, in Elberton, GA, son of the late James and Mayo Chandler Ray. He was the owner of Briar Hill Christmas tree farm; a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 with the U.S. Coast Guard where he served during the Vietnam era; Sunday School teacher at Mill Shoal Baptist Church; former Fire Chief at Harrison Volunteer Fire Department and Boy Scout leader where he earned the Silver Beaver. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Moon Ray; son, James Stoy Ray and brothers, Vernon Ray and Ronald Ray. Survivors include his wife, Connie Parham Ray; sons, Nelson Chandler (Chuckie) Ray of Newnan, GA, Chris Sides of Savannah, GA, Mathew Sides of Augusta, GA, Jonathan Sides of Lavonia, GA; daughter, Maralee Ray and Mayo Ray of Royston, GA; brother, Gene Ray of Atlanta, GA; sister, Margie Strickland of Virginia; and fifteen grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Ray will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at the Pruitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Vaughn and Rev. Mike Westbrook officiating. Interment will follow in the Mill Shoal Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Pruitt Funeral Home from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour on Tuesday afternoon. The family is at the home. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston, GA is in charge of arrangements.