Charles Ray Critcher, 82, was born in Watauga County on May 27, 1942, to the late Fred Rudolph Critcher and Lillie Hartley Critcher. Ray passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024, at his home in Waxhaw, NC after a long illness.

Ray graduated from Appalachian High School in 1960. Following high school, he joined the US Army and served in Vietnam. After completing his service, he married Joan Shores Critcher and they settled in the Bamboo community outside of Boone, where he was commonly referred to as "Poochie". They celebrated 56 years of marriage as of August 2023. Ray retired from Critcher Brother's Produce Company in Deep Gap, NC and was proud to have worked with his family his entire adult life. Upon retirement, Ray and his wife relocated to the Charlotte area to dote on his grandchildren, but he never lost his love for his family, the mountains and the community he called home. Ray was a life-long member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Critcher, his son, Greg Critcher and wife Melissa, and two grandchildren, Ryan and Ava Critcher. He is also survived by his brothers, Dwight Critcher and Tommy Critcher, his sisters, Margaret Cook (Roger) and Faye Castor, and by his sister-in-law Gloria Critcher, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his father and mother, he was preceded in death by an infant brother Don, his brothers Bill Critcher (Velma), Carl Critcher (Ethel), Sammie Critcher, and Jerry Critcher, his sisters Selma Hollar (Lige), Mary Cook (Ledford), Joanne Wellborn (Jack), his brother-in-law David Castor, and sisters-in-law Robbie Critcher, and Virginia Critcher.

A special recognition and thank you to the great people at ComForCare for their excellent care and support provided during his illness. A special thank you to Hospice as well for their support and comfort.

A celebration of Ray Critcher's life will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church gymnasium in Boone, NC, with the Rev. Bud Russell officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 12:30 PM at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Bereavement Meal Ministry Fund or Equip Recreation Ministry at 3505 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com .

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.