Captain Ray M. Buck, Jr., was born November 26, 1933, in Wilmington, N.C. to parents Ray & Laurita Buck. After attending New Hannover High School, Ray graduated from Clemson A&M (now Clemson University), with a commission in the US Air Force. He later returned to the family farm, but flying remained his passion. In 1965, Ray began flying for Southern Airways, which later became Republic and then Northwest.
Aside from family, nothing brought Ray more joy than sharing his love of flying. Whether it was taking kids on their first plane ride with the Young Eagles, instructing a pilot in training, or flying a commercial airliner, Ray was always ready. Not just a pilot, Ray was also an Elder of the Fayette Presbyterian Church, where he taught Sunday School and Bible class, as well as a boy scout and cub scout leader, and an active member in 2 chapters of EAA.
Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma; his children Lynn and Ray; his grandchildren Mitch, Ryan, Sarah, Laura, Hannah and Jessee; and great-grandchildren, Carson, Preston, and Caitlin.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, September 26, 2016, at 2 p.m., at the Chapel of Mowell Funeral Home, with Rev. John Westlund and Rev. Alex Moses officiating.
The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Salvation Army, www.salvationarmy.org.
