1918
2012
Robert Ray Epley, Sr., age 93, of Marion, NC, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at McDowell Hospital.
He was born September 23, 1918 in McDowell County, NC to the late Thomas Young Epley and Alma Lee Curtis Epley. Mr. Epley was a WWII veteran of the United States Army and he retired from Burlington Industries after 40+ years of service. He was a long time member of West Court Baptist Church where he was a former Sunday School Teacher. He was honest, hard-working and a faithful Christian man. Mr. Epley loved the outdoors with activities that included hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and much more.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by an infant daughter and four siblings.
Surviving Mr. Epley are his wife, Helen Mangum Epley of the home; one son, Robert Ray Epley, Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Sanford, NC; two daughters, Bobbie Jean Bennett and husband, Carl H. of Jonesborough, TN and Gladys Patricia "Pat" Epley of Greensboro, NC; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the members of West Court Baptist Church for their acts of Christian love and kindness extended during Mr. Epley's illness and during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in McCall Memorial Chapel at Kirksey Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Ross Lewis and Rev. Eddie Kirkpatrick officiating. Burial will follow at Murphy's Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: West Court Baptist Church – 315 W Court St. Marion, NC 28752.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 10, 2012
Darlene Kent
Ray and family I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing.He has lived a good life.My prayers will be with you and your family.If there is anything I can do I will.
May 9, 2012
Doug Rhom
May God bless you all during this time.
May 4, 2012
Ray,we praying for your family in the loss of your father. You were a caring and faithful son.
Robert and Cathy Gilleland
May 4, 2012
Ray and family,
"Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers durinng this difficult time and in the days to come as you care for your mom. We continue to pray for your strength and traveling mercies as you travel back and forth to be near."
David and Linda Spivey (Sanford, NC)
May 4, 2012
Martha Wilkie
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
May 4, 2012
Matt and Becky Garrett
Dear Ray and Family,
My heart goes out to you today. I did not know your father well, but I certainly loved what I did know of him. What a great man and good example of the Christian faith. I regret that I cannot attend his funeral, because my aunt is having her 99th birthday party in Virginia at the same time.
May God bless all of you.
Matt and Becky Garrett
May 4, 2012
Ray, Sorry to hear about your Dad. I know you loved him very much. And if the saying of "the apple does not fall far from the tree" is true, then the tree was an outstanding man.Hang in there. Bob Heuts
May 4, 2012
Cathy, Danny & Megan Swindell
It's hard to find the right words to express how feelings at a time like this but know that you are in our prayers as you go through the days to come.
May 3, 2012
J Fred & Peggy Alexander
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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