Obituary of Ray Herbert Ballenger

8/27/2019 Mr. Ray H Ballenger, 82, of High Point NC passed away Monday August 26, 2019 in Boone, NC after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He was born to Joseph Eugene and Edna Farrior Ballenger on July 1, 1937. He married Anne Hathaway, his wife of 62 years after a lifelong friendship in Wilson, NC. He graduated from N.C. State College in 1959 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started his career in Baltimore, MD at Bethehem Steel. Later he relocated back to Wilson, NC to help with the family business, J.E. Ballenger Refrigeration Service. There he found his calling for Commercial Heating and Air Conditioning design and installation. Ray wanted to advance in HVAC , thus, continued his work at several design contractors including Stahl Rider, Comfort Engineers, Environmental Air Systems, Benner and Fields and NOVA Engineering until he retired in 2008. Ray was very active in his Church, as an elder, deacon, choir member, Sunday School Teacher and in various leadership roles. He also enjoyed participating in Jaycees, Boy Scouts, and local choral groups. He was particularly fond of Classical, Choral and Pipe Organ music. He loved his church and his community, however, his greatest joys were spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed boating, hiking, backpacking and going on family picnics. He was a very caring person and never met a stranger. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Ray is survived by his wife, Anne Hathaway Ballenger; Son, Randy Ballenger, Sabrina of Hubert, NC; Daughters, Cindy Ballenger Dray, Dean of Clayton, NC; and, Patricia Ballenger Hall of Boone, NC; Grandchildren: Brett Ballenger, Amy Bryan Ballenger, Britny Bradley Dray, Leah Seth Dray, fiancé Ashley Addie Hall Will Hall Four great grandchildren A Memorial Service will be held Saturday August 31, 2019 at 2:00pm at Boone United Methodist Church, 471 New Market Blvd, Boone NC 28607 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ashe Assisted Living /Memory Care 182 Chattyrob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694 OR to Caldwell Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645 Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ballenger family.