Patricia Irene Leach Ray, 80, affectionally known as “Nurse Pat” of Fayetteville went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, while surrounded by her two sons.
Patricia was born to the late Irene Jackson Leach and William Charles Leach on January 19, 1945. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Gene Austin Ray, Sr., and three siblings.
Patricia’s love and memories will forever be cherished by her sons, Charles Hampton Ray and Gene Austin Ray, Jr., and his wife Enisa Ray; her grandchildren, Jonathan Austin Ray, Jesse Alexander Ray, Jaylah Adele Ray; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 sisters.
Patricia was a warm, caring, and devoted wife, and mother who spent her working career as a Registered Nurse helping others. She dedicated her life to serving this community for over 50 years. She started her career at what is now Cape Fear Valley Medical Center to then be hired by Dr. Glenn E. Hair, a local Otolaryngologist, and remained at the practice that he founded, even after his passing, until her medical retirement in 2013. In every aspect of her life, she stoically sacrificed herself out of love and duty for those in her care. Even after her diagnosis with dementia, she remained forever loving, kind, humble, modest, forbearing, and the purest of hearts, unflappable always, unwavering in faith and in love for her Heavenly Father and her family. Her unwavering love for her children will always be cherished by both Charles and Gene.
Memorials contributions may be made in Patricia’s honor to the charity of one’s choice that supports children or orphans, as they held a very special place in Patricia’s heart.
There will be a visitation for friends and family on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Rivers of Living Water Church, Fayetteville. A funeral service honoring Patricia’s life and legacy will begin at 12:00 pm. Burial will immediately follow the service at LaFayette Memorial Park, Fayetteville.