Mr. William Ray Osborne, 87, of the Reed Creek Community, Hartwell, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021 at his home.

Born on December 6, 1934 in Hartwell GA, he was the son of the late Audrey and Marie McCurley Osborne.As a young man his grandfather, the late Turner Osborne, was a major influence on Ray. Turner took Ray to the Pickens Flea Market, instilling in Ray a lifelong love of antiques, collectibles, auctions, flea markets and the joy of junking.Ray graduated from Reisch World Wide College of Auctioneering and then proudly guided both of his daughters to also graduate from Reisch in Mason City Iowa.At the time, his daughter Ronda was the youngest female to graduate from Reisch, an accomplishment Ray proudly delighted in.Ray was a retired machine operator for Tenneco Auto Equipment Co. and a member of the Reed Creek Baptist Church.He served in the US Army from 1957 to 1959, where he was stationed in Korea, spending time on the 38th parallel.

Ray is survived by his two daughters: Karen Osborne Irwin and Ronda Diane Osborne, both of Hartwell.Mr. Osborne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 43 years: Frances Harper Osborne and a sister: Elaine Osborne Brown.

The family will have a private graveside service at the Reed Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

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