Rev. Ray Edward Loftis
March 9, 1928 - September 3, 2024
Cherryville - Rev. Ray Edward Loftis, 96, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. He was born March 9, 1928, in Bryson City, located in Swain County. He is preceded in death by parents, Andrew R. Loftis and Hattie Woody Loftis; brothers, Vernon, Theodore, Coy, Gordon, and Newman Woody; sisters, Gertude, Beulah, Helen; and his first wife, Anna Ruth Loftis.
He is survived by his sister, Naomi Parrish, Cornelia, GA; wife, Marlean E. Loftis of the home; sons, Tony R. Loftis (Judy), Nebo, Ron (Kathy), Gastonia, Donnie (Deena), Gastonia. He is survived by 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Rev. Loftis has been a member of the Church of God for over 70 years. He preached the Gospel over 68 years, ministering in over 250 churches. He was first licensed at 23 years old, received his exhorters license in 1952, a licensed minister in 1955, an ordained minister in 1960, and an ordained bishop 2003. He was the longest living ordained bishop in the North Carolina Church of God. His ministry included sermons preached, 6,499; converts, 2,241; sanctified, 1,070; Holy Ghost baptism, 748; water baptism, 860; and members added to the Church of God, 1,011. He pastored over 41 years at the following Churches of God in North Carolina, (Alligood) Little Washington, Boone Hill, Pinnacle, Bladenboro, Morganton, Asheboro, and South Gastonia. His evangelistic ministries also touched people in Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Canada. During his ministry many fellow pastors recognized his Godly reputation, his integrity, and his dedicated work ethic in remodeling, painting, starting building programs and growing the congregation of every church he pastored. That resulted in his peers electing him to the North Carolina Church of God State Council for 16 years. He served on multiple state level boards and committees, provided leadership and godly mentorship for young preachers during his ministry. He also served as District Overseer while at several of his pastorates, as well as serving as District Christian Education Director. Two wonderful ministries that Rev. Loftis had a vision for and that touched thousands of people's lives years ago, one a private Christian school. And so, Victory Christian Academy started as a ministry outreach of the South Gastonia Church of God in 1982. Today it is still serving our community and has produced several preachers, outstanding business people, and many others who are still influencing our communities by attending Christian school. The other vision, Rev. Loftis had compassion for several widows who attended the South Gastonia Church of God. He purchased a large house on Spencer Avenue in Gastonia and "The Widows Home" was established and staffed 24-hours per day and weekends for many years. Providing those widows who could not stay by themselves a loving and caring place to live out their remaining days.
The celebration of his homegoing is on Saturday, September 7, 2024. The service will begin at 2 p.m. at the South Gastonia Church of God, 310 Carolina Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052. Visitation with the family will begin immediately after the service. Interment will be a private family service.
Rev. Bobby Gilley, Rev. Ted Smith, and Rev. Andy Nicholson will be officiating. Eulogies by Tony, Ron, and Donnie Loftis. Pallbearers, Rev. Harry Clark, Rev. Chris Peek, Rev. Jerry Waters, Rev. Alex Shelton, Rev. David Livingston, Rev. Gerald Gibson. Honorary pallbearers, Rev. Walter Jones, Rev. Gerald McDowell, Rev. Jerry Coe, Rev. Eugene Moore, Rev. Don Bates and all other Church of God ministers attending.
Memorial contributions, North Gaston Church of God Missions Fund, 1310 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC 28034. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful healthcare staff at CaroMont Health and Carolina Care, Cherryville, for their dedication to the care of Rev. Loftis.
A special Thank You to all those who visited him, called, sent letters or cards, brought food, attended the service or the visitation. The family truly felt your love and prayers. The service will be live streamed at or .
Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia. Condolences may be made online at .
Loftis, Ray
