Rayford Locklear
Age - 81
April 7, 2022
Rayford Ray Locklear, age 81, of Bridgeton, North Carolina went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. Known as "the Chief" by family and friends, Ray was especially proud of his Lumbee heritage and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with his family, whom he loved dearly. Ray was a hard worker and believed others should work hard too. For many years, he owned and operated Locklear's Tree Service but was very talented in other areas including sandblasting, painting, rigging, and serving as a foreman on several occasions. In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, building birdhouses, watching the ducks at Union Point, and traveling. Ray loved the Lord and enjoyed encouraging others and serving as a greeter, usher and prayer warrior. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Cooke Locklear of the home; daughters, Julia Ciriello (Albert) of Hayden, Alabama and Tammie Coe (Dennis) of Pell City, Alabama; sons, Andy Locklear (Amy) of Hayden, Alabama and Christopher Stilley (Chelsea) of New Bern; grandchildren, Joel Ciriello (Jenna), Alaina Locklear, and Silas Stilley; brother, Willie Locklear (Nancy); and sisters, Ressie Locklear, Lousie Eubanks, Retha Phillips, and Cammie Sowards. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p. m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Cotten Funeral Home, followed by the service at 2 p. m. in the Chapel with Pastor Rex Bennett officiating. He will be laid to rest at Greenleaf Memorial Park with Pastor Mickey Sowards presiding. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. cottenfuneralhome. com for the Locklear family. Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.Show more
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