Ray was born in Portsmouth, VA on August 7, 1943. He grew up in Harnett County and graduated from Angier High School. After attending Campbell University, he began a 32 year career with Southern Bell Communications.
His work ethic brought him up from a lineman through the ranks of the phone company retiring in a supervisory role. Ray served as Vice President of the local CWA. He continued to work in telecommunications off and on for decades.
Ray founded W R Stephenson Inc. and developed Arbor Ridge on a tract of land on Cowee Mountain, Jackson County NC.
He was an outdoorsman who was always at home in the mountains. Ray had a great respect and understanding of animals. There was always a dog by his side. He was not comfortable being idle and there was always a project in the works or something being worked on. He enjoyed Bluegrass music, watching Westerns and learning about the history of World War II. He was active in precinct and county politics.
Ray lived most of his life in Wake County where he raised his family. He is survived by his wife Kristine Flynn and his children: son Andy and wife Lisa of Asheville; daughter Amy and fiancé Darryl Ragan of Clayton; son Ashley and wife Shanan of Wilmington; stepson Garrett Ramsey of Raleigh. Also, his grandchildren Andrea Stephenson, Michael Cobb, Wesley and Alyssa Langdon and siblings Luther Guy Stephenson Jr and Levonda Clouse. He was predeceased by his parents: Luther Guy and Zelma (Mangum) and his children's mother Mary Lois (Lee).
His family is thankful to the doctors and nurses at Duke Cancer Center Cary and to Gloria and those at Transitions Hospice Care for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Transitions Hospice Care.
