Edward “Ray” Dellinger

Edward “Ray” Dellinger, 88, of Nebo went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 6, 2019.  Born in Burke County, NC on August 23, 1930, he was the son of the late Ben Dellinger and Essie Flynn Dellinger.  Ray was a member of Gilead Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school.  He was also a former deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church.  Ray was a medic for the US Army during the Korean War and he retired from Parton Lumber Company where he worked procuring lumber.  He enjoyed bear hunting.

Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Hazel Clark Dellinger of the home; son, Michael Dellinger (Teresa); grandsons, Stephen Dellinger, Lee Buff (Cora), and Jeremiah Buff; great-grandson, Bradyn Buff; sisters, Laura Mae Johnson and Sue Chapman; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by a son, Butch Andy Dellinger; brothers, Carl, JC, and Alvin Dellinger; sister, Dorothy Crooks; and infant sister, Lola Beatrice Dellinger.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2019 at Gilead Baptist Church with Revs. Allen Carr, Curtis Styles, and Billy Bollinger officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.