Raymond Neal McDougal, age 87, passed away on Wednesday ~ December 5, 2018 at the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, North Carolina. Raymond always told his girls to “Be Purdy” and they and all of his family and friends will miss getting his advice and gaining comfort by talking to him. And his smile, what a smile and chuckle with a little smirk on his face, that’ll be missed too. Raymond was the kind of guy who taught his family to pick up after themselves, clean up their messes and turn out the lights when they left the room or the house. He taught them well. He was a humble man who retired from Carolina Freight as a truck driver. He not only served his family, he served his Country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Those left behind to cherish Raymond’s memories and carry on his legacy are his four daughters: Penny Holcombe of Gastonia, North Carolina, Lisa Harpe (Jimmy) of Midland, North Carolina, Deborah McDougal (George) of Gastonia, North Carolina, Donna McDougal of Gastonia, North Carolina; four sons: Steve McDougal (Becky) of Indian Trail, North Carolina, Doug McDougal (Cindy) of Lancaster, South Carolina, Ray McDougal of Charlotte, North Carolina, Todd McDougal of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; one sister: Helen McDougal of Ohio; one brother: David McDougal of Florida; sixteen grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren.
Raymond was the son of the late William Otis McDougal and Frankie Carringer McDougal. He was also preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
A Life Well Celebrated Ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday ~ December 14, 2018 at Carothers Funeral Home, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, North Carolina with Dr. Rick Ivey delivering words of comfort and hope to Raymond’s family and friends.
Active pallbearers are Matt Borders, Justin McCarver, Chad Harpe, Chase Harpe, Travis Holcombe and Matthew McDougal. Honorary pallbearer Dennis McDougal.
Graveside and committal service with Military Honors accorded by the United States Army and Gaston County Honor Guard will follow in the Garden of Honor at Gaston Memorial Park.
The family will receive guests from 12:00 PM ~ 2:00 PM prior to the service in the Chapel at Carothers Funeral Home.
Expressions of love and fond memories may be made on Raymond’s guestbook at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com
Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored t be serving the family of Raymond Neal McDougal.
