James Raeford Goble, Sr.
October 11, 2025
CHARLOTTE - James Raeford “Ray” Goble, age 98, died on October 11, 2025 at The Sharon at South Park. He was born on May 25, 1927 in Statesville, NC to the late William O. and Alma Patterson Goble. After being reared in Hiddenite, NC, he graduated from Hiddenite High School in 1944 and 1945.
After serving in the US Navy in 1945-1946, Ray entered N.C. State College (now NCSU) and graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1951. Soon after graduation, Ray married Lois Hunter of Pilot Mountain, NC and began his 40-plus year career with Duke Power. He began as a Junior Engineer, progressed through several engineering and management assignments and retired in 1992 as Manager of System Planning. Throughout his professional career, Ray was a member of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers and was a Registered Professional Engineer in NC and SC. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
As a long-time member and Deacon Emeritus of Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, Ray was active and dedicated. In addition to serving as Deacon Chairman, he served as Sunday School Superintendent for 19 years, Sunday School youth teacher, church clerk and as a member of many committees. He willingly and faithfully shared his spiritual gift of encouragement.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lois, of 61 years in 2013; his son, Dr. James R. Goble, Jr.; son-in-law Richard W. Hill; three brothers, Rev. Bill, Jr., Gerald and Paul; and a sister, Ethel Mae Hollar.
Mr. Goble is survived by a daughter, Ann Goble Hill of Pilot Mountain, NC; daughter-in-law, Anna H. Goble Talley and her husband, Toby of Marion, NC; three grandsons, Dr. David Goble and wife, Dr. Trisha Goble of Hickory, NC, Thomas Goble and wife, Lindsey, of Roanoke Rapids, NC and Dr. Daniel Goble and wife, Mindy, of Boone, NC; great-grandchildren, Brady and Olivia Goble of Hickory, NC; James, Kate Stone, Annie, and Lizzie Goble of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Eliza and Josephine Goble of Boone, NC; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Hills Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 266 Hills Presbyterian Church Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 with Rev. Rachael Brooks officiating. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Pritchard Memorial Baptist Church, 1117 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203; to Jim Goble Mission House, Story Memorial Presbyterian Church, 174 Shady Lane, Marion, NC 28752; or to the Rick Hill Fund for Community Needs, Hills Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1720, 266 Hills Presbyterian Church Road, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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My family lived next door to the Goble’s for 20 years. Ray was a great neighbor and friend. Ray and Louise were like a third set of grandparents to my kids. Never forgetting a birthday or holiday. They cared about their neighbors like they were part of their family.
The first time my kids meet Ray, they were playing in the backyard and the hedge, that separated the yards, kept shooting water out at them. They couldn’t figure it out. It was Ray with a garden hose.
The kids took Louise fruit and the next day it came back as a pie. You could not out give them. They paid it back x 2.
When Cindy, my wife, unexpectedly became pregnant with our third child, we were stressed about our age 40 and the expenses. Sometime in the weeks following, Ray stopped me and comforted me by saying, God doesn’t make mistakes. The love you will have for that child will melt all other challenges away. He was right.
Ray’s favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings was to have scramble eggs and liver mush. He found out I was raised on them and we used to get together and cook them on some Saturday mornings. It was hard to get the other guys in the neighborhood to try it. They missed out and I will miss our time together.
Funny story, shortly after Ray moved into Sharon Towers, four neighbors took him to Mac’s Speed Shop for lunch. I think it was his 90th. Unlike him, he didn’t say much and he had a lost expression on his face. His eyes would look excited but no comments. He was starring out the window. As we left the restaurant, I asked him if he was ok. He pointed to the parking lot. There were 12 beautiful women in bikinis and one was sitting on a Harley. They were shooting a calendar for the restaurant. I guess he was ok!
Ray was a great example to the other 40 year husbands in the neighborhood. He set a strong Christian example and practiced what he preached. I’m smiling now knowing he is with Louise in heaven. Eating a plat of liver mush and eggs!
You will be greatly missed!
Your Friend,
Miller
PS: Please let us and the other neighbors know when the service is at Pritchard.
mnicholson@mnmarchitects.com -
Big Ray was a kind and good man who I will forever miss.
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Ray was a fine gentleman. He had such a kind demeanor. I had the pleasure of meeting him when my daughter, Lindsey married his grandson, Thomas. I was so excited to find out my grandchild, his great grandchild was born on his birthday. We are all so blessed to have known him. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.
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My condolences to Ann and the grandchildren. Raeford was always consistently truthful and kind, while kinda funny. His convictions were steadfast. I know he missed Lois and Jimmy and wondered why he was still here. They were definitely there to meet and greet him. He will surely be missed.
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