Ray M. Skipper, 89, of Columbus, N.C. passed away, Wednesday morning, July 12, 2017 in his home.

Born in Polk County, N.C., he was the son of the late Garner C. and Bernice Wilson Skipper. Ray attended Sunny View School, and subsequently earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. He began his career in the military serving in the Air Force and Merchant Marines. Following his military career, he entered the textile industry. His career path subsequently led to accounting from which he retired in the late 1970s. He then entered the insurance field and retired from Liberty Life Insurance in the late 1980s.

Ray loved music, the outdoors and working in his garden. His granddaughter, Alex, always brought a special gleam to his eye. He was a charter member of Midway Baptist Church, and loved his church family dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Nannie Sue Skipper, two brothers, G.C. Skipper and Preston Skipper, and a sister, Adelena Fowler.

Surviving is his son, Dr. Eric R. Skipper (Michelle) of Charlotte, N.C.; one granddaughter, Alexandra “Alex” Skipper of New York, N.Y.; and three sisters, Joyce Neely of Columbus, N.C., Mary Sue Toney of Statesville, N.C., and Mildred McDaniel of Mt. Airy, N.C.

He was blessed by his dedicated team of caregivers led by Kathy Harris and Melissa Womack.

A funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 16, 2017 in Midway Baptist Church, Columbus, N.C. with Rev. Peter McDonald and Rev. William Swink officiating.

Burial will follow in Big Level Baptist Church Cemetery, Mill Spring, N.C.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening, July 15, 2017 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church, P.O. Box 679, Columbus, NC 28722.

McFarland Funeral Chapel

Tryon, N.C.