He was my uncle I'm going to miss him deeply  he was an amazing Wonderful person  rip 🙏

So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing 
He was a great guy that I had the opportunity to serve with on the board of the NC Law Enforcement Officers Association 

We had many good times by the pool as well 
I will always have great memories of and old friend

Heart and prayers go out to The Maness Family, friends and coworkers...He was a great friend and mentor and he will be missed greatly.

I knew Ray well, and from the first time l met him, he was a friend. 
Ray did a great job in all he did and gave it his all.
We spent a lot of time together in multiple capacities and positions.  We had fun times and tough times
Ray will always be remembered for "being Ray" and someone you could depend on.
He will be missed,  but never forgotten.
Rest In Peace old buddy.  BACMM (Ray knows what that means.... our old group).

Lisa, Tommy and the Maness Family. I was honored to serve so many years with Ray in an organization with such an important and honorable mission. Beyond the "high-wire" activities for which he was noted, Ray contributed much to the GPD through the full-range of roles he undertook, the special teams he was selected to join, and the many other tasks he was asked to do. His earlier service as a Marine, his later roles with the GSO and the DA's Office rounded out his career in a unique way, and his leadership roles with the NCLEOA advanced the mission, purpose, and needs of law enforcement across our state. Amid the sadness of the hour, be proud. And Lisa, your kindness and care for Ray over these last, difficult, and sad months will be a treasure for you always.

David Wray, Member Greensboro Police (1981-2006)

We are so sorry for the loss of Ray.  Prayers for his family during this difficult time.

I'm  so sorry to hear of your Loss. I met Mr. Maness several years ago. He was always upbeat and very personable professionally and privately. He will truly be missed...

What an interesting and full life Ray led! I'm grateful for his service, both as a Marine and as a police officer. My condolences to his family! May you find comfort in the memories you shared with Ray.

Ray sent this to me via text message February 8, 2023
Our Prayers to Family 
John Sellers

Our hearts are saddened.
Ray was a true and dedicated patriot and Law Enforcement Officer. As District Attorney Investigator he served with integrity and honesty.  Ray, as my Investigator partner, always had my back on the  streets of Greensboro and Guilford County in dangerous situations and circumstances. He will be missed by all who knew him.  I will always remember his courage and kind words to me when I retired from the District Attorney’s Office.

Our prayers are with family and friends .
Rest in peace LEO partner 
John and Dana Sellers

My deepest condolences.  Ray always had a smile on his face and was a pleasure to work with.  He will be deeply missed.

Ray was a good man. It was my honor to have known him and worked with him. Rest easy my friend.

To the family & friends,
I am very sorry for your loss. May Ray rest in peace and God Bless You All and God Be With You All. Sending My Prayers.
Sincerely,

Kathy Coleman

To the family of Ray Maness,

I first met Ray in 1978  while serving as the Chief 
of the Greensboro Police Explorer Cadet Post 241 and during this same time we attended criminal justice classes together at GTCC  working towards our AS degree. During Rays time assigned to the GPD Crime Lab I went out and rode with  Ray on numerous occasions.  I soon found him to be my mentor in the field of
forensics and crime scene management.  But most all, Ray was just a super nice guy to call my
friend and boy was he witty.  To my friend, may 
you now rest in peace…..!

I am heartbroken.  I have known Ray since 4th grade at Sedgefield Elementary School, and through our graduation from Ragsdale High School.  He was a sweet little boy and a kind young man.  He embraced his job as a LEO with strength and professionalism.  He was one of the good guys, and he was my friend. Every time we would see each other, he gave me a big hug, and we would talk and talk.  The last time I saw him, we were both in line at Food Lion.  We had such a great conversation that day.  When we said good-bye, I also said “I love you, Ray.”  I am so glad I did.  You will be greatly missed, Ray Thomas.  Rest in Peace.

Ray will truly be missed. I enjoyed our group motorcycle trips especially when he was in the lead. I will always share the story when he was in front of 7 motorcycles going 70 mph and we pass a BIG sign "Mecico border 300 yards, no weapons beyond this point". Not that any of the LEO'S behind him were "heavy"
Rip my friend

When he worked in the courthouse, I could always depend on him. He was a good police officer, in retirement he continued his spirit of excellence. To the family I am sorry for your loss. I am praying for comfort for the family at this time of loss.

Ray always wore a smile and had some pretty good jokes too. He was dedicated to his family, his country, law enforcement and Justice for every person he crossed paths with. Ray always had a memory to share and to know him, you knew there would never be a dull moment. Ray had a saying, “Sergeants always eat last” and he lived that motto all of his life, always putting other’s before himself. Ray was a FREE SPIRIT and often lived life on the edge, fearing nothing.  Ray was an excellent mentor, friend and father and was loved by so many.  May GOD BLESS YOU Ray and the HEARTS of Your FAMILY.  You have safely arrived home in HEAVEN and I know you will forever more watch over us.

Sad to hear of Ray's passing.  Ray was faithful in his service here on earth and no doubt has assumed his duties guarding the streets of heaven.  Ray will be missed. Semper fi.

Ray’s keen intelligence, unparalleled work ethic and passion for justice made him a peerless investigator; his courage, loyalty, integrity, fairness, good humor, kindness, zest for life and boundless sense of fun made him one of the finest people I have known. Working alongside Ray was the highlight of my career as a prosecutor. Rest in peace my friend.

Ray was a great guy, worked with him at the Greensboro Police department and served with him on the Special  Response Team. Did some motorcycle rides with him he will really be missed. Rest in Peace buddy.

Enjoyed many motorcycle trips with Ray over the years. He will be sorely missed.

OBITUARY

Ray Thomas Maness Jr.

27 July, 1954 – 7 December, 2025

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home & Guilford Memorial Park

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