Ray Warren Aikens

Ray Warren Aikens, 87, of Morganton, NC died Friday, December 15, 2017 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.  Born February 1, 1930 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Revels Woodrow Aikens and Ola Mae Smith Aikens.  

Mr. Aikens was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.  He was a founding member of Morganton First Church of God and a mason at Lovelady Masonic Lodge # 670 Valdese, where he served as chaplain for ten years.  For forty years, Mr. Aikens worked at Superior Petroleum and Fuel Company and a majority of that time he was manager.  He was also a fireman for Triple Community Fire, member on the Board of Directors, past president of the Drexel Lions Club, and served on the Drexel School Board.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Toni Aikens Berry and husband, Glenn, Pamela Wray Aikens and husband, Rick Owens, and Patty Leigh Aikens and husband, Frank Flores; grandchildren, Kelley Berry Bradley and husband, Shane and Avery A. Owens; four great-grandchildren, Logan, Sophia, and Carter Bradley and Ashton Owens Perkins.  He is also survived by sisters, Leta Fulbright and husband, Herman and Barbara Oliver and husband, Jim; three nieces; two nephews; and was especially close to the Harris side of the family.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Aikens was preceded in death by his loving wife, Faye Harris Aikens; sister, Eileen Poteat and husband, Thad; and brother, Jim Aikens and wife, Doris.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30, Monday, December 18, 2017 at Morganton First Church of God.  The funeral will be held at 2:30, Monday, at Morganton First Church of God with Rev. Kyle Stamper and Rev. Don Smith officiating and at the conclusion, masonic rites by Lovelady Lodge #670.  Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors provided by the North Carolina National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Morganton First Church of God, 675 Summers Road, Morganton, NC, 28655; American Diabetes Association, Always & Forever Memorial Program, 222 South Church Street, Suite 336M, Charlotte, NC 28202; or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 9801 -1 Southern Pines Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.