Ray Cleary

Mr. Ray Smith Cleary, 85, of Mocksville, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. He was born April 11, 1928 in Davie County and was the son of the late Jewel Cleary and Agnes Ratledge Cleary. Ray was of the Methodist faith, but due to his decline in health, he had not been able to attended church for some time. His love was mowing grass and gardening. He was a manager of the cutting dept of Monleigh Garment Co. for 38 years. Ray was preceded in death by five brothers, Jack, Harding, Lester, Cephesus, and Norman Cleary and three sisters, Elizabeth Gaither, Pauline Welborn, and Ann Houston. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ernestine Barnard Cleary, one daughter, Jean Cleary and her husband Bill Cleary. He is also survived by one brother, Darnell Cleary and wife Pat, a special nephew, Larry Galliher and wife Becky along with a sister-in-law, Hazel Cleary. Graveside funeral services for Mr. Cleary will be conducted 11:00 am Friday, January 31, 2014, in the Zion Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Bruce Hobson officiating. There will be a private viewing for family and close friends Friday morning at Nicholson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Zion Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Jean Cleary, 1506 Sheffield Road, Mocksville, NC 27028. Online condolences can be made to the family at nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.