Grady “Randall” Ray, 73

Mr. Grady Randall Ray, 73, of Swainsboro, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024, at home surrounded by his family following an extended illness. Funeral services were held Monday, July 8, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Elder Mike Gray officiating. Interment followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dellwood. The family received friends one hour before the service.

Pallbearers were Mike Ray, Tyler Hagan, Bo Hagan, David Sherman, Riley Griner and Billy Mason. Honorary pallbearers were Tony Mangieri, John Tapley, Wayne Braswell, Ronnie Womack, Jim Dekle, Billy Carmichael and Bruce McRae.

Randall was born January 26, 1951, in Douglas, to Leon Avery Ray and Virginia Mae Reece Ray. He graduated from Swainsboro High in 1969. Randall earned an associate’s degree in wildlife management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He moved to Trinity, Texas and began a career with Southland Paper Company. Randall worked in various capacities, mainly wildlife conservation. In 1987, he returned home to Swainsboro and began work with the Emanuel County Soil and Conservation Service. Randall retired from the Swainsboro Parks and Recreation Service in 2021. He enjoyed anything wildlife related, NASCAR and local racing. Randall loved to swing dance Texas style, and played golf whenever he could with his golfing buddies. Everyone enjoyed his sense of humor and quick wit. Randall would laugh in most conversations with everyone. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Swainsboro. Mr. Ray is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Susan Johnson Brinson; brother-in-law, John David Bailes; and great-nephew, Jake Hagan.

Mr. Ray is survived by his brother, Don Ray (Linda) of Swainsboro; sisters, Ann Ray Kea (Gene) of Swainsboro and Sandra Ray Bailes of Adrian; special family members, Tyler Brinson and Ellie Escobar; nephew, Mike Ray (Shawna); nieces, Katie Kea Hagan (Bo), Chrissy Ray Sherman (David) and April Kea; great-nieces, Lauren Ray, Haley Hagan, Lilly Wheeler, Sara Sherman and Harper Sherman; great-nephews, Tyler Hagan and Drake Mason; cousins, Diane Dimsdale, Wayne Gaskins, Juran Ray, Buddy Ray, Steve Ray, John Ray, Lydia Land, Lynda Land and Herbert Land; and many friends.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.