Mr. Francis Howell Ray, 95, of Flat Shoals Road, Bowersville, passed away Monday, February 10, 2025 at Hartwell Health & Rehab.

Born on February 28, 1929 in Hartwell, GA, he was the son of the late Clarence Ray and Susie Adams Ray. Mr. Ray was a self-employed barber at his own shop, Ray's Barber Shop. He was also a member of the Bethany Baptist Church where he was a former chairman of deacons multiple times, on the Building Committee, on the Cemetery Committee, and a choir member. Mr. Ray was also a member of the Nancy Hart Masonic Lodge #690. Francis was a veteran of the US Army where he served two tours, was drafted once & joined once, and was stationed in Germany.

Survivors include his wife of 76 years: Louise Weaver Ray of the home; one son: Blake Ray & Judy of Anderson; two grandchildren: Deilia Williams (Brian) and Devin Rubinstein (James); four great-grandchildren: Roland Williams, Marlowe Williams, Frances Rubinstein and Parker Rubinstein and one sister-in-law: Shelby Franklin. Mr. Ray was preceded in death by one son: Curtis Ray; one brother: Charles Alphus Ray and one sister: Leighton Gurley.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral services for Mr. Francis Ray will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Revs. Jerry Durham and Luther Thomason officiating.  Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

Flowers are optional, and memorials may be made to the Bethany Baptist Church, 2085 Bethany-Bowersville Rd, Canon, GA 30520.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.