July 26, 2026, 80, Goldsboro – Ray J. Barfield, 80, passed away at UNC Rex Healthcare on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Born in Lenoir County on August 8, 1945, he was the son of the late Guy Barfield and Katie Bell Tillman Barfield.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Barfield; brothers, David Barfield and Kenneth Barfield; and his in-laws, Harold and Virgina Person.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Lillian Person Barfield; children, Angie Barfield Tucker (Jesse), Jackie Barfield Parchman (Keith Fail), Bobby Barfield (Lisa), Adam Jospeh Barfield, and Anthony J. Barfield (Mikayla); grandchildren, Amber Watson, Kenneth Parchman (Christina), Joey Parchman (Ashley), Dylan Barfield (Brittany), Brittany Brown (Jordan), Beth Ballance (Jacob), Haley Hayes, Dalton Barfield (Bailey), Taryn Knox (Matthew), Marissa Godwin, Hannah Barfield, Everett Barfield, and Anthony Barfield. Ray is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.
Ray spent his life working with his hands. He built a career as a carpenter, a trade he took great pride in for many years, and in the later years of his working life he was proud to be part of the team at Goldsboro Signs.
Outside of work, Ray was happiest outdoors, tending his garden, working in the yard, and looking after his beloved chickens. He had a deep love of music, and there was nothing he treasured more than family gatherings, where he could be surrounded by the people he loved most.
Above all else, Ray loved Jesus. His faith was the foundation of his life, and it guided the way he treated others, with patience, generosity, and quiet strength.
A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Marcus Hooks presiding. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in memory of Ray.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home.
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