Charles Ray Duprey Sr., at the age of 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2022, in Raleigh, NC surrounded by many loving family members.

Ray was born at home on March 6, 1939 in Gulfport, Mississippi to Frederick and Ida Duprey. Ray is preceded in death by his father, Frederick, and mother, Ida. He is also preceded in death by his brothers Edward Duprey and Lawrence Duprey, as well as his dear sister June Stoffle.He is also survived by a brother Richard Duprey. Ray is survived by his wife Hattie Jackson Duprey (Wake Forest, NC), along with his three sons Charles Duprey Jr. (Sandi) of Portland, OR, Keith Duprey (Mike Wiegert) of Raleigh, NC, as well as Kevin Duprey (Millicent) of Manteo, NC. He was incredibly proud and supportive of his grandchildren's education and activities - attending school functions, sporting events, and always making donations to schools and fundraisers.

Ray retired in Aug 1991 after approximately 34 years in the military. Ray began his military career in 1957 as a United States Marine Corp stationed in Paris Island SC. He was a respected drill sergeant and did two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He was also stationed at Paris Island (SC) Camp Pendleton (CA) and Guam and did tours to Okinawa, Mt. Fuji, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In 1980 Ray joined the United States Army and was stationed with the Reserve Unit in Marion, VA and eventually was transferred to Ft. Hood, Tx to finish out his career. During his time in the military, he was honored with many decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons including the Army Commendation and Achievement medals, National Defense Service Medal and Service Star, and expert rifle badge. He was also part of the Agent Orange Registry for exposure to, and complications from, Agent Orange. Between his military assignments, Ray was employed by the State of Virginia Highway Department and helped construct the Big Walker Mountain tunnels. After retirement from the Military, Ray worked with Wytheville Precision Metal and also for the Wythe County Recreation Center.  Ray was also an honorary Dare County Sheriff's Deputy under Sheriff Burt Austin (retired).

Ray married Hattie Jackson on October 7, 1961 in Sparta, NC. They were together 61 years. They were longtime members of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Ray lived a full life and was extremely proud of his family. He loved being outdoors, gardening, fishing, camping, cooking, canning, his yard, back porch, eating seafood, fireworks, taking pictures, building anything from wood scraps, animals (especially our family pets), and anything relating to his wonderful Cajun heritage. Ray touched so many people with his gift of conversation and genuine care for everyone.

Ray was also very active in scouting with his family as well as umpiring for numerous little league sports when his children were young.

More than anything we are grateful for and celebrate Ray's strong Christian faith that he shared with his family and friends, and that eased his suffering on this earth. We will miss him very much but are so grateful for his beautiful life.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery in Austinville, VA with David Jackson, Pastor of Emory UMC, officiating.

Immediately after the service, the family will receive friends at the Bethany UMC Fellowship Hall for

A Celebration of Life and a time of fellowship and refreshments.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Bethany United Methodist Church (please send to David Rudy, Church Fund, 1222 Lead Mine Road, Austinville, VA 24312), Wounded Warrior Project ( https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ ), or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital ( https://www.stjude.org/ ).

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, VA is serving the Duprey family.