Ray Elsworth Warner

Ray E. Warner, 103, formally of 249 Vintage Road and Arbor Ridge, Eden, NC passed quietly into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the Fairway Oaks Center in Tampa, FL. Funeral will be held at the First Church of the Brethren on Tuesday June 12, at 11:00 am, with burial at Overlook Cemetery.

Mr. Warner was born near New Windsor (Carroll County), Maryland on March 25, 1909, the fifth child of Charles and Mary Ellen Cantwell Warner. He moved to Spray, NC (now Eden) in March 1934 to work for Marshall Field (later Fieldcrest Mills) where he retired in March 1974 after 40 years. He was an employee of the Rayon Mill, was a supervisor at the Automatic Blanket Mill and was manager of the supply room at Karastan Rug Mill.

Mr. Warner married Edna Rickman in October 1935 and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death in 2003. He was a devout Christian and was an inspiration to his family, friends, and all who knew him. He joined the First Church of the Brethren at age 11 and after moving to NC, he served the Eden church for 75 years in various ways. He was an adult Sunday-School teacher, served as choir director, member of the choir, served as treasurer during the 40��������?ᬮ���?묢s and 50��������?ᬮ���?묢s, and was a Deacon for over 60 years.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was predeceased by 4 brothers; Edward, Russell, Paul, and Sterling; and sisters, Sadie and Ruth; and son-in-law, Charles Martin.

Left to treasure his memory are: son, Richard (Dick) Warner and wife Dell of Chuluota, FL; son, Ralph Warner and wife Terry of Wesley Chapel, FL (Tampa Bay Area); daughter, Rachel Warner Martin of Eden, NC. Granddaughters: Beverly W. Delemos (Doug) and Sheryl W. DeWitt (Ed); Lisa W. Farr (Rob); Angela W. Martin; Tara Valdez; and Carla Anderson (Jason). Grandsons: Gregory Warner; Charles Warner (Kathy); Wesley Martin (Melissa); Great-grandsons: Ronnie and Ryan Rose, Patrick and Kyle (Suzanne) DeWitt, Jacob Warner, Hunter Martin, Andrew Alvarez, Chase Clark; Great-Granddaughters: Holly (Ryan) Reese, Abby and Libby Delemos, Katie DeWitt, Paige Martin, Brianna Valdez, Naomi Ruth Anderson, Kacie Clark; Great-great grandchildren: Taylor Knoch, Cayden and Cammi Rose, and Warner DeWitt. Sisters-in -law: Vivian Coe Warner of Thurmont, MD. and Helen Rickman Shough of Patrick Springs, VA; Brothers-in-law: Jesse Hale of Eden, Maurice Rickman of Cupertino, CA and Gene Rickman (Chere) of Plant City, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the staff of Arbor Ridge and Fairway Oaks for their loving care.

Visitation will be held on Monday evening from 7 - 9 PM at Fair Funeral Home and at other times at the home of his daughter, 1062 Friendly Road, Eden.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Church of the Brethren sound and video system fund 730 Church St., Eden, NC 27288.