George Raz Autry, Jr.

Mr. G. Raz Autry, Jr. of 290 Fairway Lane died Wednesday, April 18, 2012 in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst at the age of 85. Mr. Autry was born in Harnett County, NC on January 9, 1927 to the late George Raz Autry, Sr. and Bertie Lee He was an active member of Raeford United Methodist Church, serving in many leadership roles. Mr. Autry served in the US Navy and the US Marines in the Pacific during WWII. He graduated from East Carolina Teachers College, where he was student body president and co-captain of the football team his senior year. After graduation, Mr. Autry became a teacher, coach, principal, and eventually the Superintendent of Hoke County Schools. He mentored students in Wake, Guilford, North Hampton, Montgomery, and Hoke Counties. After retiring in 1983, Mr. Autry began pursuing many interests and hobbies including authoring seven books, auctioneering, as well as peach and produce farming. Mr. Autry touched the lives of many through his dedication to the community by participating with Hospice, Lions Club, a supervisor of the Hoke Soil and Water District for 17 years, and Share Your Christmas. He was recently inducted into the Hoke County High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was bestowed the Order of The Long Leaf Pine. Survivors include his wife, Ireni T. Autry of Raeford; a son, George Raz Autry, III "Skip" and wife Pandy of Fayetteville; three grandchildren, Lindsay Autry of West Palm Beach, FL, Jackson R. Autry of New York, NY, and Samantha Autry of New York, NY ; four brothers, Corbett Autry and wife Frances of Raeford, Charles Autry and wife Jessie of Greenville, NC; Wallace Autry and wife Edna of Dunn, NC, and Ret Col. Jerry Autry and wife Jackie of San Francisco, CA; and several nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Raeford Cemetery, 521 East Central Avenue, Raeford, NC, with Chaplain Jerry Autry and Rev. Adolph Smith officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at Raeford United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 308 North Main Street, Raeford, NC, following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Hoke County Board of Education, Raz Autry Scholarship Fund, C/O Wanna Chavis, 310 Wooley Street, Raeford, NC 28376