Raymond "Ray" Mize was a retired English professor and Vietnam veteran, and loving father and husband. He was born 11/23/1947 to Raymond and Bonnie Black Mize in Red Springs, NC.

An alumnus of UNC-Chapel Hill, Ray went on to teach English and Drama in numerous colleges throughout the state, including Louisburg College, Southeastern Community College, UNC-Wilmington and Appalachian State. Known for his deep, resonating voice and tall, imposing yet friendly presence, Ray made an impact on everyone he taught and readily made friends. An avid reader and aspiring writer, Ray became somewhat of a local celebrity in the town of Whiteville, NC for his appearances on local TV programs, as a guest speaker to read poetry at events and competitions, and as a director of many college-level dramas, for which he also leant his powerful voice.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Betty, his sons Conor Mize and Wilson Mize (Marla), and his daughters Sarah Mize and Lindsay Onofrio (Jim), as well as five grandchildren Grayson Onofrio, Sawyer Onofrio, Keaton Onofrio, Landon Mize, and Saylor Mize, as well as four furry friends, Ziggy, E0Mtyn, Nuwanda, and Keeley. Ray also leaves behind the legacy of the many students for whom he instilled a love of literature and theatre.

The family would like to thank the infusion room nurses at Seby B. Jones Cancer Center for their friendship and wonderful care over the last three years.

A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

For it is not so much to know the self as to know it as it is known by galaxy and cedar cone, as if birth had never found it and death could never end it:

--A.R. Ammons

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

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.