James Raymond (Ray) Bruce
October 25, 1948 ~ September 30, 2024
James Raymond (Ray) Bruce of Whispering Pines passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, in FirstHealth Moore Regional at the age of 75.
Ray was born in Atlanta, GA, on October 25, 1948, to the late James and Catherine Bryan Bruce. Ray moved to Moore County with his parents at a young age and attended Moore County Schools. He married Judith Ann Cleaver in 1969. Ray was a fishing and boating enthusiast. He also was an accomplished woodworker. Ray cherished moments with his family and grilling outdoors. Throughout his life, he was a successful business owner with business ventures in Moore and Brunswick County. Ray was a proud patriot who proudly served in the United States Air Force.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Bruce; his daughter, Elizabeth Ragsdale; his granddaughters, Anna and Madelyn Ragsdale, all of Whispering Pines; his sisters, Kathy Rallings (Marty) of Seven Lakes and Kristy Crigler (JR) of Yorktown, VA; and one brother, Bill McKenzie.
Ray's body will be laid to rest on October 4, 2024, at Beulah Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, honoring his wishes with a private graveside family service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Red Cross Hurricane Helene Relief Fund at redcross.org.
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My Dad, THE Best Man, Husband, Father, Papa, and family man that I have ever known. What an honor to witness as his daughter truly what a gentleman is. He taught me so much… pick up pinecones, mow (push and drive), appreciate and invest in your home, build a tree house, hammer a nail, use tools, paint anything, play pool, dial in a satellite dish, shoot a gun, make a full on breakfast, drive a boat in all waters, go deep sea fishing, be an entrepreneur, work hard, love hard, be faithful and kind, to listen because you will learn, enjoy family time, don’t be be selfish. I thank him for setting the standards high. His unspoken words were spoken. His tender heart wasn’t always shown but always known. His guidance and love will forever be with me. A true example of a man, my Dad.
And yes, I’m the Favorite Daughter!! â¤ï¸
My grandpa (papa) was the best man and role model. He was such a kind and humble soul. He could light up a room, just by his smile and his ever loving humor. He will be missed, but he is more loved, and I will carry his words of wisdom and our memories with me for the rest of my life.
My grandpa (papa) was the best man and role model. He was such a kind and humble soul. He could light up a room, just by his smile and his ever loving humor. He will be missed, but he is more loved, and I will carry his words of wisdom and our memories with me for the rest of my life.
My wife and I met Ray and Ann through mutual friends at Lake Tillery in the late 80’s and became very close friends. We had lots of great times together. Ray was the gentleman and I was the wilder but we fed off each other’s personalties and spent many fun times fishing the flounder flats of the Eastern Shore of Va with our wives and friends or patroling Lake Tillery where we all had homes. We loved visiting Ray and Ann at their Holden Beach home and in the winter they enjoyed coming to visit us at our Florida home. To me Ray was like a brother from another mother. I was so sad to find out Ray was diagnosed with leukemia as I knew what he was in for. He fought a good fight to the very end. June and I will miss Ray as if he were family. R.I. P. my dear friend.
So sweet Liz, we will always treasure our friendship with Ray and Ann. Hold those beautiful memories near and dear always. Hugs to you and your Mom and also your beautiful daughters. xoxo
Love, Julie & Johnny Holden
My brother Ray was someone who always thought of others. His quiet, sweet demeanor made you feel safe and loved. He had a quick wit and the most wonderful smile that portrayed his humble being. Ray was truly a Renaissance man in modern times. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t accomplish, and his brilliant mind was always working in overtime. Tall in stature, and he was a giant of a man in terms of compassion. I will miss my sweet brother. Heaven has welcomed him with wide, open arms. Welcome home Ray. Love you, your “older†baby sister.
Ray was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. He dearly loved his family. Glad I was blessed to have known him. Ann, Liz, Madelyn and Anna, you are in my prayers.