James Ray Oxendine, 61, of Wilmington, NC, took Gods hand and stepped over into Heaven on Thursday, December 29, 2011.
He was born in Robeson County, NC on November 2, 1950, the son of Avia Jacobs Oxendine and the late Robert Oxendine.
In addition to his loving family he had countless friends who commonly referred to him by his childhood nickname “Hawkeye”. James Ray had a life long career in the construction business. He was an iron worker and crane operator for 37 years until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church.
James Ray was well known for his comical personality and ability to make the entire room laugh with just a few words. He had several hobbies and interests that he was passionate about, NASCAR, gardening, and cooking. But none of which compared to waiting on the phone calls from his daughters asking, “Daddy how long do I cook this roast?” or to ask what kind of flowers to plant around the mailbox, which he would happily reply by saying, “I will just go and get them and plant them for you.”
Surviving is his loving wife of 41 years, Marilyn Lewis Oxendine of the home; two daughters, Jamie Rae Oxendine-McGee (Jamey) of Leland, NC and Brandi Nicole Oxendine (Keith) of Wilmington, NC; five grandchildren, Kimber, Keziah and Katie McGee, Jaylon and Jace Karpinsky; three sisters, Jane Moore (Terry), Jenny Russell, and Janis Mozingo all of Wilmington, NC.
James Ray was a man who truly loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and could never say enough thoughtful things about them. Over the past few years, he put himself in charge of orchestrating a yearly family vacation which everyone looked forward to, especially Jaylon who has been PaPa’s best friend for the last 10 years. PaPa and Jaylon were inseparable . There is no other explainable love like these two shared.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, January 2, 2012 at Northside Baptist Church, 2501 North College Rd., Wilmington, NC by Rev. Johnny Hunt and Rev. Norman Hunt. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Following the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, the family invites everyone to go back to Northside Baptist Church for a reception to celebrate James Rays life.
It was James Rays wish for those who choose to please feel free to wear casual clothing.
Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.
Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099.
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