Ray Kersey, 88, of Blythewood, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 31, 2017 at his home. Born in Candler County, Georgia, on February 1, 1929, he was a son of the late Barney and Lettie Waters Kersey.

Ray was retired from the US Army with 24 years of service and later retired from Richland School District Two. After retirement, Ray owned and operated Ray's Fruits and Vegetables in Blythewood. He was a member of the Blythewood Masonic Lodge No.395 and Sandy Level Baptist Church. Ray was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Loretta Jayroe Kersey; sons, Jack Kersey (Thea), Jim Kersey (Donna), and Joe Kersey (Paula); a daughter, Helen Kersey; two step daughters, Deborah Abstance (Donald) and Sandra Roach (Ronald); nine grandchildren, Christine Evergetis (Craig), Sean Kersey, Melissa Killius (Stephen), Bryan Kersey, Sarah Kersey, Justin Kersey, Christy Owens (Jimmie), Lydia Roach, and Daniel Roach; seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Donald Kersey; grandsons, Michael Kersey and Joey Abstance; one great granddaughter; seven brothers and three sisters.

The funeral for Mr. Kersey will be held 11 o'clock, Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Sandy Level Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Hanley and Rev. Dr. Stephen Gantt officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 until 8 o'clock at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia.