Lawrence "Ray" Spry

Lawrence “Ray” Spry, 87, of China Grove, peacefully passed away Thursday, November 28, 2024, at his home, surrounded by love. 

Born November 22, 1937, in Cabarrus County, he was a son of the late Lawrence Reuben Spry and Glennie Smith Spry.

 A 1956 graduate of A.L. Brown High School, he had honorably served his country with the US Marine Corps and had retired from AT&T. Mr. Spry later owned and operated Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service. Ray was instrumental in organizing Enochville Rescue Squad and was a longtime member of the Enochville Fire Department. He had earlier attended Franklin Heights Baptist Church, where he was a scout leader. A devoted member of Lakewood Baptist, Ray had been a deacon and longtime church leader. Mr. Spry had a true “servant’s heart”, which he demonstrated throughout his life. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ray will be greatly missed by his family, his community, his friends and all who knew and loved him.

 Family members left with many cherished memories include his beloved wife of 66 years, Ann Owings Spry; his children, Ken Spry (Slee) and their children, Matt and Cory; Ret. Col. Gary Spry (Beau) and children, Patrick, Lauren, Tristan, Weston and Blair; and Janet Sherrill and children, Matt and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren, Kolt, Klarity and Eleanor; his brother, Melvin Spry (Brenda) and extended family members.

 The family will receive friends Monday evening, December 2, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 PM at Whitley’s Funeral Home. Funeral services to remember and celebrate Ray’s life will begin at 2:00 PM Tuesday, at Lakewood Baptist Church, conducted by Steve Leigh, Pastor. Burial will follow the service at Carolina Memorial Park.

 For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church or to the American Heart Association..