Ray J. Foster

Published 11:03 am Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Ray J. Foster of Lynn, N.C. passed away on Monday evening, May 22, 2017 in White Oak Manor of Tryon, N.C.

Born May 29, 1926, he was the son of the late Jess and Nell Hardin Foster of Lynn, N.C. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Louise H. Foster and son-in-law, Grant Y. Vosburgh of Pulaski, Tenn.

Over the years, Ray served in the U.S. Navy in WWII, was a Mason of the Jeff L. Nelson Masonic Lodge and was appointed to the Harmon Field Commission. He joined Tryon Federal Savings & Loan in March of 1962, was elected Secretary-Treasurer and Loan Officer. In July of 1979, he was elected Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Managing Officer and Member of the Board of Directors. In April of 1982, Ray was elected President and Chief Executive Officer. He was also presented the Business Person of the Year Award from the Tryon/Thermal Belt Chamber of Commerce. Ray retired in December of 1997 at the age of 72 from what is now known as HomeTrust Bank.

After being Chairman of the Board for many years, he was given the honor of being First Chairman Emeritus in 2012 in appreciation of 50 years’ service, support and dedication to Tryon Federal Bank and HomeTrust Banking Partnership.

Ray was a member of Pacolet Baptist Church and served as a Deacon until his health issues. He was an avid golfer and member of Tryon Country Club, then becoming a member of Red Fox Country Club after it was built. Most important, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Ray had a long and happy life with many friends and family.

Ray is survived by two daughters, Debra Raye Foster-Teague (Joel) of Lynn, N.C. and Robin F. Vosburgh of Pulaski, Tenn.; one grandson, Justin Crosby Vosburgh of Greenville, S.C.; one granddaughter, Amelia Layne Vosburgh of Pulaski, Tenn.; two step-grandchildren, Nadia Teague of Asheville, N.C. and Jason Teague (Victoria) of Raleigh, N.C.; one great-granddaughter, Evangeline (Evie) Teague of Raleigh, N.C. Also surviving are several cousins.

A graveside service to lay to rest together, Ray and his wife, Louise (One of the greatest love stories ever) will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2017 in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, N.C. with Rev. Bruce Norville and Mr. Bill Smith officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Polk County Veteran’s Memorial Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or Pacolet Baptist Church, 3424 Skyuka Road, Tryon, NC 28782.

The family wishes to send special thanks to our extended family at White Oak Manor of Tryon, who has taken excellent care of Ray (known also as Daddy, Pa, Papa and Pop) over many years. Also many thanks to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and McFarland Funeral Chapel. Our family has been very blessed by outstanding people around us during this difficult time. And a heartfelt thanks to Darlene Williams (cousin) who has been with and by us through all.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel
Tryon, N.C.