James (Jim) Ray

James Franklin Ray, Sr., age 60 of Gaffney, South Carolina died suddenly into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, February 7, 2026.  Jim was born on April 24, 1965, in Rutherford County and was the son of Brenda Crowe Ray Scott and the late James Eddie Ray.

Jim was known to his family and friends as A.J. and to his Gaffney friends and co-workers, he was known as Hollywood.  He had an infectious personality and was loved by all those that knew him. He was an employee of Nestle in Gaffney where he had worked for 20 years. 

Jim was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Forest City where he remains a member.  He was a 1983 graduate of East Rutherford High School and an avid fan of both the Clemson Tigers and Dallas Cowboys.  He also enjoyed working out at Planet Fitness in Gaffney where he had many loyal friends.

Survivors include his mother, Brenda Crowe Scott and stepfather, Bernard Scott of Forest City, his son, James Ray, Jr. and wife Caroline of Hendersonville, his daughter, Skye Ray and partner Zachary of Asheville, his sisters, Teresa Ray McDaniel and husband Jeff of Cliffside, and Pamela Ray Hewitt and husband Robbie of Forest City, as well as his nephew, Lucas Hewitt of Forest City, his niece, Maddie Hewitt of Hickory and his aunts, uncles and cousins.  

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock Sunday, February 15, 2026, in The Padgett and King Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Garin Hill officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 o’clock on Sunday prior to the service at the mortuary.  Interment will be held at 1 PM on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Heart of The Foothills. 380 US Highway 221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 or First Baptist Church Youth Mission Team, 211 West Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.