October 13, 2025, 85, Goldsboro —

William Ray Harris passed away peacefully at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC on October 13th, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving partner, Mary Jo Parker, and his three sons. Ray was born in Wayne County, North Carolina on July 25, 1940. 

Ray grew up in Goldsboro, NC and graduated from Goldsboro High School and then attended East Carolina University. During his many years in Goldsboro, Ray served the community in numerous ways and was an active member of several service organizations including the Goldsboro Kiwanis Club, where he deeply valued the fellowship of friends. His greatest devotion, however, was to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served for decades in many roles. Ray’s service included time as a youth leader, vestry member, eucharistic minister, and acolyte trainer. Among these, one of his greatest joys was mentoring young people in their service as acolytes—a legacy that will long be remembered at St. Stephen’s.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Edward William Harris and Mausilee Bradshaw Harris; his wife of 53 years, Ann Harris; and his granddaughter, Faith Harris.

He is survived by Mary Jo Parker; his sister, Sue Nicklaus and partner Jennifer Snow; his sons, Davis Harris and wife, Kathy; Barnes Harris and wife, Elizabeth, Brad Harris and wife, Allison. He is “PaPa” to eight grandchildren, Kate, Barnes, Jackson, Anna, Henry, William, Caroline & Sarah Beth.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, October 17th at 2:00 p.m. at St Stephens Episcopal Church. Immediately following the service, the family invites you for a time of visitation and fellowship in the Parrish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St Stephens Episcopal Church in Goldsboro, NC.

Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.