Mr. James Ray Morrison was born on January 14, 1936, in York, SC to Allie and Alice Morrison. While spending time in the North Carolina Mountains, Ray peacefully passed away surrounded by family at Alleghany Memorial Hospital - Sparta, NC.
As a junior at York High School, Ray met his first and only love, Shirley Randall. They were married on September 28, 1957. Ray and Shirley spent the next 64 years creating a beautiful legacy. Eleven days after Shirley's passing, Ray joined his beloved bride in Heaven.
He worked for Duke Energy, where he had a distinguished career until he retired in 1991. Ray fulfilled his passion for sports through coaching and officiating young athletes in the greater Charlotte area. He also enjoyed working on a cattle farm in Clover, SC and severing as a member of the United States Army National Guard.
After retiring to Clover, Ray was honored to be a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Clover. He also served the York County Prison Ministry where he was awarded the Inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013. Ray was a Chaplain with the Clover Police Department. Upon retirement, Ray worked part-time with M.L. Ford and Sons Funeral Home and spent his leisure time fishing, golfing, and loving his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his daughter: Pamela M. Kirby (Kyle) of Rock Hill, SC; son: Randy Morrison (Carla) of Windsor, CO; grandchildren: Cameron Kirby and Taylor Kirby of Rock Hill, Shaun Morrison (Kaitlyn) of North Augusta, SC, Sela M. Ballard of Piedmont, SC, Dakota Morrison (Nichelle) of Jacksonville, FL and Hunter Santiago of Tacoma, WA; and five great-grandchildren. In addition, he has two surviving sisters, Ann Melton and Judy Jones.
Later in life, Ray and Shirley came to love three very-special ladies. Marilyn, Susan, and Melissa provided love, companionship, and exceptional care during their later years. Words do not express the family's gratitude to each of these ladies.
In Ray’s final goodbye to his beloved ‘Shirl,’ he said, “I’ll see you again very soon.” His family’s hearts are broken but rejoice knowing Ray and Shirley are together for eternity.
Memorials may be made to Kairos Prison Ministry (kairosprisonministry.org) South Carolina or The Sheriff’s Foundation of York County (1675-2A York Highway, York SC 29745 – add “Ray Morrison” to the memo line and donations will go to the Prison Ministry).
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