

Ray attended the University of Buffalo on a football scholarship before transferring to the University of Georgia, where he excelled academically and graduated at the top of his class. He began his career at Lacy’s Drug Store, working alongside Dr. Lacy, before purchasing the store with his partner, Larry Braden. After selling his share, Ray continued his career at Dunaways, later known as West Main Pharmacy, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.
Ray was married to his best friend and the love of his life, Caroll Watkins Dalrymple, for 60 wonderful years until her passing. Together they raised a son and two daughters, whom he cherished deeply. Ray’s family fondly remembers one of his and Caroll’s favorite stories—their honeymoon in Daytona, where they happily lived off corn dogs and chili dogs because they had no money, a memory they loved sharing before going out for family dinners. A devoted family man, Ray loved softball, basketball, football, golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, and family vacations to Daytona. He was an avid and lifelong supporter of Georgia Football.
Deeply involved in his community, Ray co-founded and coached the Acworth Midget Football League and was a member of the Jaycees for many years. He was a devoted member of Liberty Church of God for 44 years before later worshipping at New Beginnings Church. Ray was known for his prankster spirit, strong work ethic, honesty, and generous heart. He was a Godly, forgiving man whose legacy is one of love, service, and giving.
Ray is survived by his daughters, Nona Dalrymple Harris (Mike) and Dana Dalrymple Willingham (Justin); grandchildren Jacob Smock (Lizzy), Chris Dalrymple, Matthew Harris (Ashley), Elizabeth Dalrymple, Alexis Willingham, Ashton Willingham, Ava Willingham, Jack Mantel, and Olivia Willingham; and great-grandchildren Brady Smock, Bentley Stevens, Ellie Mae Harris, and Grady Clyde Duncan.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Caroll Watkins Dalrymple; his son, Kim Dalrymple; and his parents.
Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Parkway, Kennesaw, Georgia, followed by a funeral service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The committal service will take place at Providence Cemetery & Cremation Gardens, 165 Old Tennessee Road NE, Cartersville, Georgia, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Beginnings Church in Cartersville, Georgia at https://engage.suran.com/nbccarter/s/give/new-gift
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New Beginnings ChurchP.O. Box 4030, Cartersville, Georgia 30120
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