Tony Michael Ray was born in May 1, 1948 in Hickory, N.C., to Ronda and Georgia Ray.

He grew up on a farm in Deep Gap, with his two brothers and a sister, helping with the chickens, cattle and horses.

Tony loved horses. They were part of his life growing up, and his favorite was his pony named, "Joe." He loved racing and riding bareback on his horses all throughout his childhood. That led to one of jobs while a teenager. He worked at Tweetsie Railroad, playing one of the horse-riding Indians in the staged attacks on the train, that used to be part of the attraction.

Tony attended and graduated in 1966 from the first graduating class from Watauga High. His son, Michael was in the last graduating class from that same Watauga High School. Both his daughters also attended and graduated from there.

He graduated from the electrical contracting program at Gaston Tech and worked as an electrical contractor.

He later attended Appalachian State University, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Mathematics. He taught mathematics at Caldwell Community College, before starting to work with his father, and brother Ronnie, building houses. His daughter, Cara, now teaches Microbiology at Caldwell Community College.

Tony eventually started his own company, Ray Ventures, building homes and apartment complexes around the state, including many or the homes at Heavenly Mountain retreat. The number of houses and apartments he built throughout his life was truly impressive. He built his family a beach house and multiple family homes. He even sponsored a soccer team, Ray Ventures, through his business, that his son Michael played for, through the Watauga parks and recreation.

Tony started playing guitar when he was a teenager, influenced by his friend and neighbor, Merle Watson, and his father Doc. He taught himself how to play and for many years played for his children and grandchildren.

Tony always drew, something his mother encouraged. He started painting when he young, and continued while an adult. He taught all his children and grandchildren to draw. He painted a giant mural at the old Watauga High School. He even won drawing competitions when he was very young at Parkway school, against other much older students.

Tony started running when he was an adult, running in 5 and 10 K's and at least one half-marathon. He was an avid runner, not missing a day for at least 5 years. When his wife Robin was doing her residency in Columbia, S.C., he'd run, carrying his infant daughter Georgia. Family was very important to Tony.

He loved spending time with his wife Robin and their three children, Georgia, Cara and Michael, and his granddaughters Tori, Reagan and Marin. Shoulder rides and helping with math homework are treasured memories. He was the only Dance Papa at Studio K, on hand for his children and grandchildren's dance recitals over the years, recording every performance. He never missed a single Scottish Highland Dance competition for Georgia and Cara, also attending every soccer, baseball and wrestling practices and matches with Michael.

The apple trees he planted in their yard was always a source of fun. Tree houses that he built for them and playhouses, too. He dug up the family Christmas tree every year from those he had planted on their land. Along with trips to Oak Island, and their annual holiday excursion to Disney World, he was always there for every family trip. He was always the first to ride the roller coasters in Disney with his children. He was a beloved father and grandfather and took care of his grandchildren wonderfully.

He'll be missed greatly, and family and friends will carry memories of him forever.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 115 East King Street, Boone, N.C.

There will be a short graveside service afterwards at Laurel Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, in Deep Gap.

The family invites friends and family to join them afterwards at the Ray home.

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

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