Reverend Charles Calvin Ray (1937-2026) Passes: Local Minister Left a Lasting Legacy of Faith, Service, and Leadership

The Reverend Charles Calvin Ray, 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Brookhaven, Mississippi on the evening of March 28, 2026, with his wife of 62 years, Carolyn, at his side.

Charles lived a life marked by quiet faith, steady leadership, and devoted service to others. Though he was not ordained as a Presbyterian lay pastor until later in life, the spirit of ministry had shaped his path from the very beginning.

Said Dr. Luke Lampton of Magnolia, who worked with him for decades at Horizon Hospice (now Compassus): "Charles Ray left an enduring impact on his community and state. He led the creation of hospice care in our community. His pioneering work earlier in establishing mental health services in our area was pivotal for local healthcare as well. And his great public leadership was not all that he gave us; his love, ministry, and mentorship on a personal level with every human he ever met were profound. His presence literally changed the lives of those around him. He will be so missed!"

Born on March 11, 1937, in Eupora, Mississippi and reared in Summit, Charles learned early the values of hard work, responsibility, and care for others. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi before beginning his career with the Mississippi Welfare Department as a child welfare worker. He later earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Tennessee, preparing for a lifetime of service to children, families, and communities.

Throughout his career, Charles brought compassion, wisdom, and purpose to every role he held. At the Mississippi Children's Home Society, he helped place nearly one hundred infants into adoptive homes. He later served as Director of the Division of Youth Services for the State of Georgia. After returning to Mississippi, he led the development of the Southwest Mississippi Regional Mental Health Complex.

His service extended well beyond his professional work. Charles helped found Camp Sunshine for children with mental and physical disabilities, the McComb Interdenominational Care Association, a community drug pantry, and Horizon Hospice, the first hospice program in the McComb area. Again and again, he recognized a need and answered it with practical compassion and enduring commitment.

At Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where he served as Director of Social Services, he was also a mentor and encourager, guiding interns and helping develop programs to support employees in times of hardship.

Charles was deeply devoted to the life of J. J. White Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully alongside his wife, Carolyn, in teaching, youth ministry, mission work, and prayer. In retirement, he continued as a Presbyterian lay pastor, serving congregations in Magnolia, Osyka, and McComb for nearly twenty years.

During his illness with lymphoma, he wrote "Because of Calvary," a 365-day devotional drawn from his sermons. His life was one of humble service and enduring faith, and his legacy continues in the many lives he touched and the communities he helped strengthen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Mabel, and his brother, Lonny.

Survivors include Carolyn, his beloved wife; and their children, Chris and his wife Carolyn, Corey and his wife Stephanie, all of the Jackson area, and daughter Cameron, and her husband, Will Carlisle, of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with eight grandchildren, Henry (Ceara), John, Kirstyn, Sydney (Bobby), Jackson, Emma, Caroline, and Ellie; and one great grandchild, Joseph. He is also survived by brothers, Joe and Larry, sisters-in-law, Trisha and Beverly, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His family wishes to thank the extraordinary caregivers from The Aspen assisted living home, Hospice Compassus, King's Daughters Hospital, and Jackson Oncology.

A celebration of life will be held at J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church in McComb, Mississippi on Saturday, April 18, at 1:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am.

Memorials may be sent to J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Compassus Hospice, Camp Sunshine, and French Camp Academy.

His longtime Hospice associate Shannon Landen remembered, "Charles Ray - so blessed to have him as a supervisor and mentor during my social work internships. He embraced his teachings and guidance with his genuine kindness, wisdom, spiritual self, honesty, integrity, cleverness, quick wit, love, and concern as a friend professionally and personally. We are all better to have known him and will continue to embrace his teachings on a daily basis. I will always aspire to inspire and encourage as he did!"

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.