LOUISBURG, NC -- Willard "Ray" Gupton was born on March 15, 1952 and went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2021 at 7:07 p.m.

Ray was a beloved Husband, Father and PaPa. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Kathy Leonard Gupton, his son Adam and wife Melissa, his daughter Ashley Jones and husband Keith, four loving grandchildren Eli Colt Jones, Liberty Rae Gupton, Bristol Lynn Jones, and Grey Matthias Gupton; all of Louisburg, and three precious dogs Waylon, Miss Audrey, and Loretta. He also leaves behind many close relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents J.W. and Adell Gupton.

Ray was definitely a people loving person who never met anyone that he couldn't talk to and cut up with. He graduated from Edward Best High School in 1970 where he was a basketball star; he attended Louisburg College and graduated from Atlantic Christian College. He began his career teaching and coaching at Edward Best and then Bunn Middle School. He loved to make sure that every child felt loved and special. He retired in 2008 and for the remainder of his life said that he missed seeing the kids. He was a lifelong member of White Level Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.

He enjoyed playing and watching all kinds of sports, including golf, baseball, basketball, hunting, fishing and pro wrestling. He enjoyed spending time with his family in every aspect. He enjoyed eating breakfast at the store to talk with his friends and would always speak to the many former students that he would see.

Thank each and every one of you for bringing joy to his life and for receiving the joy and laughter he brought to yours. Please continue to remember Ray as the life-loving person that he was.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at White Level Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations made in Ray's honor to White Level Baptist Church or to Edward Best Elementary School for the backpack program.

Arrangements are being handled by Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be made to www.lancasterfcs.com.

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