Ray was the second child born to Anne Maie and Jace Fulbright on November 3, 1932 in Granite Falls, North Carolina. After growing up in Granite Falls and graduating high school, Ray met and fell in love with Margaret Irene Jolley. They married July 29, 1952 then Ray entered the Navy and served six years. Upon discharge from the Navy, Ray enlisted in the Air Force serving for another 18 years and was stationed in areas across the world. During this time of service, Ray and “Rene” welcomed Ray Eugene Fulbright Jr “Chip” and Sandra Lee Fulbright into their family. Ray was discharged honorably from service in 1974 and settled in Gastonia NC. There Ray joined the Sherriff’s department working as a Deputy until retirement in 1990. His retirement years were spent enjoying the beach and sound of Oak Island NC. Ray was always working on this home and property enjoying the slower pace of life of the coast. Even in his last days, Ray was outside taking down a small cedar tree with an axe in backyard.
Ray was preceded in death by his sweet companion and love, “Rene,” Jerline and William Jenkins, his beloved sister-in-law her husband, and great granddaughter Emalea. Surviving Ray are children Chip and Sonya Fulbright and Sandie (Fulbright) and Paul Strickland; Grandchildren Lori, Justin, Logan, Trey, Anna Marie, and Hunter; Great Grandchildren Parker, Ellie Grace, Ashton, Bayleigh, Noah, Paisley, Sawyer and Lucas.
A private family memorial service will be held at a future date. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Ray and Irene Fulbright to Lower Cape Fear Hospice 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington NC 28401.
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