Year's Eve, at 3:30pm.
He was born in Clayton on Dec. 15, 1944. He grew up on a farm and graduated from
Wilson's Mills High School in 1963. From there, he went to Wayne Tech, which is now Wayne
Community College, and graduated in 1965 with a 2-year degree as an electronics tech. After
college he went to work at ITT Telecom, which later became Alcatel Network, and was with the
company for 36 years.
Ray was a firm believer in the Boy Scouts of America program and fully supported his
three sons as they participated in it. He served as Cubmaster of Pack 31 in Wilson's Mills, he also
started the first Tiger Cub den when the BSA first introduced the program. Ray also served for
many years as Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Troop 66 in West Smithfield. He was
awarded the Scoutmaster's Key and District Award of Merit for his contributions to the troop and
to Scouting in Johnston County. He also attended the SE-308 Woodbadge course, the premier
Scouting training program for adults serving in their troops. He was heavily involved in the
Order of the Arrow and attended many state-wide fellowships with his sons. He also volunteered
as an advisor to the Indian Dance Team in Nayawin Rar Lodge, where he earned the Vigil Honor.
His knowledge, enthusiasm and support made a positive impact on hundreds of boys, many of
whom went on to earn the Eagle Scout Badge.
Ray is survived by his wife LaRue Stevens of 55+ years and his three sons, Carl Ray
Stevens of Clayton, Andrew James Stevens and wife Michelle of Farmville, and Darren Otto
Stevens of Clayton, plus two grandsons, Garrett and Dustin Gore-Stevens. He is also survived by
his brothers Marvin Sanders Stevens of Smithfield and Carl Edgar Stevens of Georgia, as well as
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Sanders
Stevens and Daisy Vick Otto Stevens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heartland Hospice of Raleigh, NC.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Friday, June 25th, 2021 at 10:00am, at
Knollwood Cemetery in Clayton, with pastor Billie E. Lawson, Jr. officiating and eulogy
delivered by friend of the family, Dan Harden.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18