Elkin Mr. Ray Smith Church, age 90, of West Main Street, passed away Monday, March 27, 2006 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Center. Mr. Church was born October 25, 1915 in Wilkes County to Rom & Ellen Watts Church. Mr. Church was a member of Elkin First Baptist Church and a past Deacon at West Elkin Baptist Church. Ray was past president of Elkin's Lyon Club, Kiwanis Club and Ruritan Club and was a member of Elkin Rescue Squad. Ray was retired owner of Alexander-Church-Kennedy Funeral Home. After his retirement Ray continued serving his community in funeral service by assisting in the foundation of Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin. His devotion to serving families in Elkin was evident by the love and compassion he showed to each family he served. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three infant sons and daughters; five brothers and one sister. Survivors include: his wife of 68 years, Hessie Waters Church of the Home; a son, Larry S. Church of Elkin; a daughter, Vicki C. Byrd and her husband John of Thurmond; a brother, Rev. Hunter Church of N. Wilkesboro; three grandchildren, David S. Church, J. Ross Byrd and Seth A. Byrd. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at Elkin First Baptist Church by Rev. Rebecca Maynard and Rev. Jerry Yarboro. Burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin. Mr. Church will lie instate one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Ray S. Church Scholarship fund c/o Pat Hinson, 102 W. Main Street, Elkin, NC 28621. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com Hodges Funeral Home in Elkin is serving the family of Ray S. Church.
