WILMINGTON — David James Ray, Sr., 97, of Wilmington Beach, NC died in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 28th, 2025.
David was born in Hallsboro, NC to Bernice and Gaston Ray.
A middle child of six, he was a graduate of Hallsboro Highschool, Mars Hill University, and UNC Chapel Hill. David served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and honorably discharged Pvt First Class.
David became a junior high U.S. History teacher in the NC public education system. He retired after decades of teaching to spend as much time with his family, in the outdoors, and especially the ocean where he had spent as much of his life as possible.
David was for many decades a member of the First Baptist Church of Carolina Beach, NC and served as a deacon for much of that time. He proudly served alongside his wife Frances as deacon during the last many years he attended.
David loved classical music, zydeco, Delta blues, and especially jazz. He loved his music almost as much as the multitude of family dogs over the years. David always loved swimming, clamming, oystering, surfing, spearfishing, SCUBA diving, even just floating. He was the quintessential waterman.
David is preceded in death by wife Frances, brothers Virgil, Harry, Chuck, and Phil and sister Ginny. He is survived by son David, daughter-in-law Maura Kropke, in-laws, nieces and nephews coast to coast.
David was a quiet man with a quick wit, amazing mind, and humble self-awareness.
He will be missed by more than he could have ever imagined.
There are no services planned.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, Surfrider Foundation, or North Carolina Coastal Federation.
Even if it’s no good, paddle out anyway.
