He was born in Cable Co., Virginia, October 10th 1822; died October 11th, 1903, at the age of 81 years, and one day.

At the age of 15 he accepted Christ as his Savior at a camp meeting conducted at Franklin by Elijah Corrington and Peter Cartwright. He united with the M.E. church, but withdrew from that church and joined the M. E. church, South of which he was an honored member until he went to receive his reward.

He loved the old forms and customs that were used in worship at the time of his conversion. He was of a quiet, unassuming disposition, but his convictions on matters of religion were clear and decided. His last testimony was that his trust, was placed in the Lord and that all was well. Also, that while he had not lived and done as others, yet he had tried to live an honest, sincere life before his God and fellowmen.

He leaves behind, a wife, Mary C. Ray; two children, Mrs. John Jones and Charles N. Ray; three brothers and two sisters, Benjamin P., Elijah, and Newton, Evaline McMahan, and Sarah Ray, also many true and tried friends.