Born in Tampa, FL on April 18, 1968, he was the son of the late Ray Nelson Anderson and Carol Jean Michaels Decker.
Ray was a veteran of the US Navy and was a proud lifetime member of VFW Post 5362 in Morganton. He retired from the NC Department of Corrections as a sergeant at Foothills Correctional. Ray always went out of his way to help others. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Elizabeth Anderson; step-children, J. J. McLean and Lily McLean; grandchildren, Ava Anderson, Alexis Anderson, Mason Stroupe, Korbin Wine Anderson, and Jaxon Anderson; special long-time partner, Kendall Huffman; Kendalls children, Kinslee, Lakelee, and Hadlee Huffman; sister, Terri Anderson Ollis (Marty); and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Heather Dennie Anderson.
The graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the Western Carolina Veterans Cemetery with Pastor Brad Browning officiating. Honors will be provided by the US Navy, Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard, and the NC Department of Corrections Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post 5362, 529 Hopewell Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Ray Nelson Anderson II.
God, this is hard. Elizabeth, Terri All y'all's Family are in My prayers. Ray Ray, wasn't only My D-Unit Sgt. But we new each other from year's of playing ball against each other in Jr.High. He Was a Salem Tiger An I was a Hildebran Royal. Ray taught ME more as a friend from away from school to being A Up Coming CO at Foothills Correctional Instution. Ray, My Friend My Sgt. My Mentor I Will For ever Cherish Our time's together over the years My Brother I now Have A Special Reason too Remember You. U Passed on My 58th Birthday Brother Till We Meet Again On The Other Side. Love and Will Miss U Greatly.
Words cannot express how much I’ll miss you Ray, you were the Big Brother I never had! You were always there for me when I needed someone to talk too. It’s been 12-days since you left us and it’s now hitting me that I’ll never see my brother again. 😢
I will miss youa good step son our last talk was great. Rip
I will miss you a great grand son
I will miss you great stepson
Enjoy the outdoors in heaven my friend. You will be missed
I am so going to miss you little brother. However, I am eternally grateful that you are no longer suffering. Unti I see you again one day 💙 Love you big, Sis
We will miss you Ray, you were a very dear friend to us, to everyone who knew you. You always helped others when you could. Please tell my father hello for me. You will always be in our hearts. Your friend truly. Sincerely, Jessica & James Jenkins