Rev. J. Martin Ray

Rev. J. Martin Ray, 97 years of age, born November 17, 1922 passed from this life to be with his Lord on August 22, 2020 at Community Hospice, Vidalia, Ga. after an extended illness. He has lived in Swainsboro, Ga for the past 2 years and was a member of First Baptist Church, Swainsboro.

He accepted the call to serve as a minister of the gospel about 72 years prior to his death and served many small churches in North Alabama and Florida.  His last “assignment” as a minister was as the unofficial chaplain to Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home.  He delivered his last “sermon” just prior to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.  He carried out his duties until about 2 days prior to his admission to the Hospice inpatient facility.  During the pandemic, with the help of two wonderful Hospice employees, YouTube videos were recorded each Thursday and were then available to the Nursing Home residents for viewing.   He loved his work as a minister of the gospel.  His last complete sentence was: “Isn’t it wonderful to be a Christian?”

During his tenure in Swainsboro, he served as a volunteer at Emanuel Medical Center Nursing Home.  He participated with other volunteers enjoying games with the residents as well as conducting Thursday worship services.  He thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the patients and staff.  He considered them part of his new family in Swainsboro.  He was thrilled at the move to Swainsboro and enjoyed being close to family and the experience of having a totally new set of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David & Terie Ray, 4 brothers, 1 sister; and his wife Louise Forister Ray, after 57 years of marriage.

He is survived by 1 child, Dr. James Ray (Harriet); 4 grandchildren, David (Karri), Marty (Angela), Andy (Kylie); and Stephen (Erica); 8 great grandchildren: Megan, Alexis, Boston, Brylie, Scarlett, Charlotte, Jackson and Violet as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 11 AM at First Baptist Church, Swainsboro, with the family accepting visitation at 10 AM.

The family would like to express their greatest thanks and appreciation for the many Hospice employees, hospital volunteers and Nursing Home residents and staff that made his last few months so much more pleasant and rewarding.

The family requests that remembrances be made to Community Hospice Foundation, Vidalia or First Baptist Church, Swainsboro.

In compliance with the guidelines set by the CDC, 6 feet rule will be enforced during viewing and service.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Rev. J. Martin Ray, 97, of Swainsboro.