Michael "Mike" Henry Ray

Michael "Mike" Henry Ray, 74, of Sylva passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026 after fighting a courageous 3 year battle with cancer.

Mike was born on July 14, 1952, in Jackson County to the late Rufus and Claudus Dietz Ray. Mike loved his family very much. He also loved baseball, bird and deer hunting, fishing, and working with his bird dogs. Mike enjoyed trading stuff, even if it was rusty, he wanted it. He was a member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, assistant Sunday School teacher, member of the choir, and several committees.

Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deborah Henry Ray; sons, Jeremy Ray (Trisha), and Justin Ray (Krystal); a grandson, Jackson Ray; one grandson on the way, Jonah Ray; a sister, Barbara Frady (Gene); and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Scotts Creek Baptist Church with the Reverend J.D. Grant and Reverend Eddie Deitz. A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations may be made to Broyhill Children's Home or to Four Seasons Hospice.

A special thanks to Shanette, Samantha, Ashley with Four Seasons Hospice and a special thanks to Kaila and Addy.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Ray, Jack Woods, Ronnie Hornbuckle, Carl Davis, Gerald Ensley, James Rogers, Frank Wilkie, BT Greene, Tim Mathis, Randy Painter, Doug Crisp, Frank Watson, Mike Sutton, Max Holland, Herb Duncan, Carl Junaluska, and Chas Mathis.