PILOT – John Curtis Ray, 74 of Pilot died at home on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008. He was born in Pilot on April 11, 1934.

John was the son of the late Curt and Crama Brantley Ray. John was married to Audrey Horton Ray from 1955 until her death in 1989. John was a lifelong member of Pilot Baptist Church and was a Mason with the Whitestone Masonic Lodge #155.

John served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. After returning from the Army, he worked for the railroad for several years and then became the service manager at Gil Buick in Zebulon. John found his true calling, however, when he retired from the car dealership and became a farmer.

John is survived by his wife of seven years, Diane Ray; his brother Bobby L. Ray and wife Sue Ray; several neices, nephews and their children and grandchildren.

A funeral service will be 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Pilot Baptist Church. Entombment will follow in the Bunn Cemetery with Masonic rites. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pilot Baptist Church, 8103 N.C. Highwy 39 South, Zebulon, NC 27597.

The family will receive friends 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third St., Wendell; www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net.