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Ray Martin Dula, 83, of Morganton, died Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Grace Heights Rehabilitation Center, where he was recovering from a recent fall.
He was born December 8, 1942, in Morganton, the youngest of nine children of Albert Tate Dula and Margaret Pearl Webb Dula. The family lived for several years on a farm off Piedmont Road.
He graduated from Morganton High School in 1961 and worked at Broughton Hospital, Romarco, and Inmont before retiring from BASF on Highway 70.
On February 26, 1965, he married Judith (Judy) Faye Kennedy. Judy, originally from Duplin County, came to Morganton as a young woman to work as a resident advisor at the North Carolina School for the Deaf. They were married for more than 61 years.
Ray was a member of Hartland Baptist Church for more than 50 years and, in his younger years, an active member of the Salem Ruritan Club. He enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and time spent with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; son and daughter-in-law Johnny Ray Dula and Nina Ruth Dula of Beaumont, Texas; grandsons Jeremy and his wife Julie, Jonathon and his wife Kristina, and James; great-grandchildren Alexander, Beatrix, and Molly; and brother Forrest.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings William, Clyde, Parks, James, Hazel, Lena, and Ruby.
Visitation will be from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton, NC.
Committal Services will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM inside Burke Memorial Park’s main chapel at 2506 Burke Memorial Park Rd, Morganton, NC.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Ray Martin Dula.
Judy & Johnny, We want you to know that we will keep you in our prayer for the weeks ahead. My Mom and Dad always talked very highly of your family and he was always willing to help in way when asked. I really enjoyed my trips home and getting to see Ray and Judy at church. Gods Peace and Love -- Eddie & Johnna Poarch
Ray was always a kind person who had a great sense of humor and would offer encouraging words to the friends and family that surrounded him at just the right time. We will truly miss Ray but know that his memory will remain forever with all the lives he has touched.
Judy & Johnny: We extend our deepest sympathies in the passing of Ray. He was a fine, Christian man and he will be missed. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy in the lives of his family. We send our love and prayers.
I'm so sorry to hear about Ray passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
You were a force of nature!! I love you with all of my heart!!!
Over the past couple of years, we have been so blessed to get to know Mr. Ray and Mrs. Judy. You both have been such sweet and dear neighbors, and Ray will be deeply missed. We are thankful for the memories, kindness, and friendship we’ve shared. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Judy, and your family during this difficult time. May God give you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead. With love and deepest sympathy, The Leopin Family
Praying for the family in this time of loss.