Joe Willie Ray

Joe Willie Ray was born to the late Hattie Sue Carter McGay and Joe Willie Higgins on May 30, 1957. He departed this life on February 26, 2024 at Wesley Merit Health Hospital in Hattiesburg MS. He was a former roofer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a devoted stepfather; Junior McGay, his son; Joe Ray Jr. four brothers: Wallace Higgins, Willie James Higgins, William Smith, and John Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memories: a devoted wife, Christine Lacey Ray; a son, Marzell (Maude) McGill of Petal, MS; a daughter, Kenya McGill of Waynesboro, MS; seven brothers, Lester (Stacey) Higgins and Roy (Mary) Higgins of Picayune, MS, Sammy (Patricia) Smith of Chicago, IL, Edward Smith of Texas, and Joe Willie Higgins of State Line, MS; five sisters, Betty (Timmy) Hill of State Line MS, Maddie (Tommy) McGay, Stephanie (Vincent) Hall, and Virginia Rankins of Waynesboro MS, and Irene Higgins of Laurel MS; one special God-daughter, Maliyah Moss of Laurel MS; a devoted step-son, Charkeria Lacey; a devoted grandson, Raytavious Walker; a special cousin, Geneva Odom; three special friends; Anthony Mayfield, Cedrick Ward, and Chelle Ward; his Perfect Car Care Family, a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, step-children, family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Sweet Hope MB Church, with Rev. Curtis Blakely officiating. Interment will follow at Waynesboro Cemetery. 

There will be a viewing period Friday, March 8, 2024 from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Turner Funeral Home. 

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