Ray Franklin Webster, a small business owner and lifelong farmer, died peacefully following a lengthy illness on May 15, 2020, at the age of 77 in his home in Mooresville, N.C.

Ray was born on April 11, 1943, to Johnny Ray Webster and Virginia Johnston Webster. He founded Ray’s Asphalt Paving in the spring of 1970, a now very successful asphalt paving, gravel hauling and all-around construction business. Ray had a passion for farming, John Deere tractors and old cars. He loved his church, Community Baptist in Mount Mourne, N.C., which he attended religiously for over 60 years. He often vacationed in the Appalachian Mountains, frequenting Linville, N.C., Pigeon Forge and Cades Cove, Tenn. He adored his nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, often bragging about them to anyone who would listen. Ray was a problem-solver who would utilize his mechanical skills to invent all forms of equipment to make his work easier.

Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Dorothy Webster; his children, Johnny Webster, Worth Webster and Barbara Webster; and his siblings, Nancy Moore, James Webster, and Shirley Nichols.

He was predeceased by his parents, Johnny Ray Webster and Virginia Johnston Webster.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May, 19 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. with a service following at 2 p.m. at Community Baptist Church on Langtree Road Mount Mourne, with Pastor Jonathan Smith officiating. Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Community Baptist Church, 274 Langtree Road Mooresville, NC 28117.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Webster family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.