Joffre Wesley Ray

Joffre Wesley Ray, a former men's clothing store owner, passed from this life Sunday, March 8, 2009 in Durham after a brief illness. He was 94. Mr. Ray spent much of his professional life working in downtown Durham during its heyday in the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. He co-owned Ray-Browning Clothiers. Mr. Ray is survived by his wife of 69 years, Celestia Bishop Ray; a son, Joffre Wesley Ray Jr. and wife Janeegger Ray of Durham; two daughters, Anne R. Predmore and her husband Richard L. Predmore, Jr. of Campobello, S.C., and Gwen Ellen Ray of Durham; two grandsons, Patrick Timothy Predmore of Campobello, S.C. and Stephen Aneew Predmore and wife Erin of Christiansburg, Va.; two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Walton Predmore; two nephews, a great-nephew, three great-nieces, and faithful dog Lilli Rose. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles Wesley and Minee Lee Ray, and his sister Margaret Ray Williams. Mr. Ray was born in Carrboro and attended Carrboro and Chapel Hill schools. He graduated from Durham High School, attended Gardner-Webb Uneersity on an athletic scholarship, and later graduated from Croft Business College. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy in the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. He also served in the Korean War in the Bureau of Mines in Yorktown, Va. Mr. Ray was active in the business and civic communities serving in the Durham Jaycees, Durham Merchants Association, Durham Chamber of Commerce, President of the Durham Civitan Club, and an enthusiastic member of the Durham Sports Club. A talented athlete during his youth, he had an opportunity to play in baseball's minor leagues, but chose the clothing business. He loved sports and was an avid UNC Chapel Hill fan. He was a true family man and was very close to his wife, children and grand children. He also loved animals and had many beloved dogs. A celebration of life service will be held 2 pm Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at Duke Memorial Uneed Methodist Church in downtown Durham. A reception will be held in the church parlor after the service. Burial in old Maplewood Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Durham Animal Protection Society, 2117 E. Club Blvd., Durham, NC 27704 Online condolences may be sent to www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.