He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bea Coble Petrea, three daughters and their husbands, Sylvia Greeson (David), Arleen Giddens (Dale) and Louisa Bowman (Hank), six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Earning his Bachelor's Degree at Lenoir-Rhyne College and his Master’s of Divinity at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, Petrea was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in 1955 and served congregations in North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. Retiring in 1996, he continued to serve as a guest minister and interim pastor until 2017. Early in his career, at a time of civil unrest, Rev. Petrea led his Warner-Robins Georgia congregation in welcoming their first African-American family into membership in an otherwise white church. It was the first such reception in the church jurisdiction of congregations in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.
Petrea served as Director of Public Relations for Roanoke College prior to being named Director for Informational Services at High Point University, where he was awarded by the College News Association of the Carolinas and published in the New York Times and Fortress Press. As a guest lecturer, he traveled and spoke on topics such as writing, design and production of printed material.
While serving as the Director of Development for Lutheran Services for the Aging in Salisbury, North Carolina, Petrea established a foundation in support of elder care centers. He served as its first President.
Petrea had numerous articles published in professional, religious and commercial journals and magazines. His handbook on public relations for congregations was published by Parish Life Press.
A lifelong musician, Raymond majored in music at Lenoir-Rhyne, performed in campus bands, including the Kampus Kats, and has been an organist and director for numerous choirs. As an avid woodworker, he hand-built and performed with his own Appalachian dulcimers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lutheran Services Carolinas, PO Box 947, Salisbury, NC 28145 or Lutheridge, 2049 Upper Laurel Drive, Arden, NC 28704.
A private interment will be held at Coble’s Lutheran Church, Julian. A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, Greensboro on Saturday, November 3rd at 2 pm.
Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.LoflinFH.com.
Loflin Funeral Home of Liberty is honored to serve the Petrea family.
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