Jean Wagner Ray

Jean Wagner Ray, seventy-eight of Boone, NC went to be with her LORD and Savior Tuesday morning, February 6th, 2024.

Jean was born on January 8th, 1946, to the late Jack and Mary Wagner, in Statesville, NC. She was preceded in death by her parent's and her best friend and sister-in-law, Patsy Ray Welborn.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Ronnie Ray, son Scott Ray (Kristi), daughter Lynne Ray (Frank Fawcett), sisters Lynne Mauney (Charles), Kaye Morgan, brother Mark Wagner, brother-in-law Tony Ray (Robin), Ricky Ray (Deb), brother-in-law John Wayne Welborn, and grandchildren Davis, Owen, Gabrielle, Jack, Harrison, Claire, Stella, Clay, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jean was an all-state basketball player in high school, and then attended Atlantic Christian College followed by time at Appalachian State University where she pursued her innate talent in art. Her love of water led her to pursue the WSI (Water Safety Instructor) certification. However, her greatest accomplishment would be her family, her children, and her grandchildren. She could often be heard bragging about her family to complete strangers. She loved her family more than life itself.

Jean lit up the room, she had a bright and fiery soul. She was known for always being her unabashedly authentic self. She was inquisitive, funny, and loved to put a smile on your face.

She lived by the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12 "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." She would give you the shirt off her back or the shoes off her feet.

Jean loved the outdoors. Whether she was riding horses, golfing, hiking with her grandkids, playing pickle ball, or enjoying the water somewhere, she loved life and lived it to the fullest right to the very end. The only thing Jean loved more than the outdoors were her friends and family. She always thought of everyone else before herself. She will be loved forever and missed by all.

The family will receive friends at 1:30pm on Monday, February 12, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Boone. Celebration of Life will begin at 2:30pm in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Boone, NC.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.