Michael Ray

Mr. Michael Leon Ray,59, of Goleta, CA, died on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Cottage Health System in Santa Barbara, CA, after a long battle with prostate cancer. Michael was born in Leaksville, NC but spent most of his childhood in Concord, NC. He graduated from UNC-Charlotte as a Certified Public Accountant. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in his field of expertise. Michael liked to travel. He lived in Guam, Vancouver, Canada, and California. He was employed with Bartlett, Pringle &Wolf, LLP in Santa Barbara CA as a CPA and Tax Manager. He was a long time member of the Army National Guard. Michael was the son of James L. Ray, Jr. and Carolyn Williams Bizzell, both deceased. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Krout, who by God’s grace was his strength, happiness, peace, and partner in love and life during his battle. Michael is also survived by his daughters Gina Leigh Ray of Oak Island, NC and Kristen Marie Ray and her partner Sharon Chriscoe of Wingate, NC Other survivors include sisters Cynthia Watson and husband Melvin Watson of Warner Robins, GA; Diane Luker Stoy and husband Jay Stoy of Vale, NC; Cathy Bizzell Harvell and fiancé Douglas J. Parham of Oak Island, NC. As well as many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home, 460 Branchview Drive NE Concord, NC 28025. The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. (A celebration of Life will be held in California at a later date.) Hartsell Funeral Home Concord is serving the Ray family. Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com