Mr. William Cornelius Ray, 67, of Aberdeen, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018, William Cornelius Ray left us to go to his heavenly home.  William will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

On May 30, 1951 at Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, North Carolina, William Cornelius Ray (fondly known as “The Cake Man”) was born to the late Alice Elizabeth Ray and Boston Burke. He attended Berkley High School in Aberdeen, North Carolina, where he graduated as class valedictorian in 1969. After graduation he was employed as a brick mason, an automobile detailer and he also worked at the W. C. Richards Paint Company as a chemist for 19 years. At age 60, he decided to further his education due to his love for children. In doing so, on December 13, 2011 he graduated from Sandhills Community College with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education – Infant/Toddler Care.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Cheryl of the home, daughters; Faye Ieeshia Utley of Aberdeen, North Carolina, Monique Goins of New York City, New York, Shemika Paige of Southern Pines, North Carolina, and Keondra Bennett of Charlotte, North Carolina,  sons; Sage Good and Patrick McMillan of Southern Pines, North Carolina, brothers; Richard Ray of Phoenix, Arizona, Thomas (Ann) Ray of Anos, California, Tim (Amanda) Mason of Hoffman North Carolina, mother-in-law, Mrs. Betty J. Taylor of Aberdeen, North Carolina, sister-in-law, Ms. Sandra Blue of Aberdeen, North Carolina, brothers-in-law; Jermone (Sonia) Taylor, Henry (Shereka) Taylor, David Blue, Bradley (Dot) Morrison, Curtis Morrison, David Herd, and Chuck (Delphine) Herd, a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

A family visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, September 28, 2018 at Jones and Little Funeral Home in Aberdeen, North Carolina. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at The Worship Center 150 Eastman Road, Southern Pines, North Carolina. Jones and Little Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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