Raymond "Ray" James Allison

Raymond James Allison, 79, of Statesville, passed away peacefully after a hard fought battle with Parkinson's disease on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville while surrounded by his family. Ray was born November 16, 1937 in Fulton County, Georgia to Leonard James and Mary Young Allison. He graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelors of Business Administration and retired from Liberty Homes as their District Sales Manager before becoming an independent consultant for United Healthcare. Ray was married to Nancy Starnes Allison on April 7, 1991 and was a member of Rose Chapel United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Baker Allison. Ray was quick-witted and loving. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, playing golf and spending time with his family and friends and dog, Georgia. Ray loved being around his friends and caregivers Steve Swaim, Sarah Warren and Connie Gaither. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Cindy Lundberg (Rob) of Elk Creed, MO, sons Jeffrey Allison (Shelley) of Columbus, GA; Kelly Starnes (Elizabeth) of Mocksville, NC and as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Hayes and niece, Wendy Arnette (Casey) and nephew Brad Hayes (Kim). Ray also leaves behind to carry his memory his precious grandchildren; Carter Allison, Nic Starnes, Ross Starnes, Cheyenne Lundberg, Aric Hjort, as well as his step-grandchildren, Patrick Miller and Kaitlyn Olson. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at Rose Chapel United Methodist Church with Revs. Ralph and Lynne Lepley officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. The family will visit with friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Ray's family would like to give their sincere thanks to the staff at Iredell Memorial Hospital as well as the amazing staff of nurses, doctors and volunteers at Gordon Hospice House for their gracious service to not only Ray, but the entire family. A special thanks to Dr. Trivedi and Dr. Pence for their care and attention to Ray. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rose Chapel United Methodist Church, 813 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625 or Gordon Hospice House 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.