Mr. James Ray Futch's Obituary
James Ray Futch, 72 of Plant City passed into the presence of his Savior on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at his home. A moment he spent his life in service, waiting for. He was born in Plant City to the late William McDowell and Marie Grant Futch.
Ray attended Plant City High School and made many lifelong friends along the way. He was blessed with the talent of musical abilities, and it showed every time he sat at a piano. In fact, this forte became his calling to the ministry where he served the Lord as a minister of music throughout his adult life at many churches in the community. Ray knew service to the Church was all encompassing and he never limited himself to just music, he also served as custodian throughout the years. Ray was a botanist and showed his knowledge of many species and varieties of plants through the ones he propagated and cared for. He also cherished time seeking out God’s creation through birds and admiring their natural existence surrounding him. He was a task master with skillful hands and a vision that led to many remodels, a quality he loved to use and share. His most cherished times though were when he was surrounded by his family and church family. A great void will remain; however, a legacy will flourish in the countless lives Ray touched throughout the years.
Ray is preceded in death by his wife of forty-five years, Donna Futch. Those which survive are his son, James Ray Futch II (Esther); brothers, Bill Futch (Donna), Lee Futch (Gail), David Futch (Bonnie); grandchildren, Javan, Jeremiah, Jordan Futch and honorary sister, Darlene Harrison.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Ray will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00AM with a visiting hour from 10:00AM until service time. Both will be held at Trinity Life Church, 1942 W. Memorial Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33815. A committal service will immediately follow at Mt. Enon Cemetery, Plant City.
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