John Ray Church

Church East Bend - John Ray Church, 78, passed away Thursday, February 04, 2016 at Yadkin Nursing Care Center. He was born June 8, 1937 in Yadkin County to the late William Matthew Church and Lula Jonies Church. Ray has served as chief of police for the towns of East Bend, Boonville, and Yadkinville. He also served as chief deputy for Yadkin County and retired from the Yadkin County Magistrate in 1993. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother and four sisters. Surviving is his loving and cherished best friend, Rebecca Hobson; daughter, Judy Church Brown (Roger "PeeWee" Spillman); grandsons, Chris (Twinkle) Brown, Aaron (Kathryn) Brown; two great granddaughters, Chrislyn Kaye Brown, Kylee Nicole Brown; special nieces and nephews, Brittany Jester, Christian Jester, Jody Jester, Adrienne Jester; sisters, Pat (Bruce) Hinshaw, Velma (James) Royall, Nancy (John) Ford, and several nieces and nephews. His graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Prospect United Methodist Church by Willie Shouse. The family would like to thank all the staff at Yadkin Nursing Care Center for all the love and care shown to Ray. Memorials can be made to American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Church family. Online condolences can be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.