Dr. Edward Ray Lakey

Lakey

BOONVILLE – Dr. Edward Ray Lakey, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 11, 2024 in Winston-Salem, NC at Trellis Support and Care Hospice Home, surrounded by his family and friends. Mr. Lakey bravely fought and won his battle with Alzheimer’s dementia with dignity and grace.

He was preceded in death by his treasured wife of 58 years, June Johnson Lakey of Boonville, NC and his son Laddin Lakey of Elkin, NC.

Son of the late Elizabeth Lakey and Harvey Lakey, Ed was born February 4, 1935 in Forsyth County NC. He is survived by his cherished daughter Heather Lakey of Lewisville, NC; his loving brothers, Fred Lakey of Winston-Salem, NC and his wife, Frankie; Harold Lakey of Richmond, Va and his wife, Janet; his beloved grandchildren, Nathan Hinshaw of Winston-Salem, NC and his wife, Dr. Megan Hinshaw, Keelin McArthur of Wilmington, NC, Broze Lakey of Boonville, NC, Adan Lakey of Boonville, NC; his dear friend, Sarah Shipe of Boonville, NC; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. While we lost our most beloved Dad, Brother, Uncle, and Pa, many more have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a role model and mentor to so many. There was so much more to him than just Dad, Brother and Pa, though to us that was his greatest roles.

Ed enjoyed golfing, music, dining out, travel and spending time with his family and friends. He was a diehard sports fan, especially Carolina Tar Heel Basketball and enjoyed attending ACC Tournaments with his family. Ed was also a friend, a teacher, a coach, a co-worker and a colleague to so many and once you were marked as important to him, he was by your side throughout life and he was there if anyone ever needed him. A graduate of Boonville High School Class of 1953, he went on to graduate from Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone NC, where he also earned a M.A. Degree and he holds an Ed.D. from UNC Greensboro. Mr. Lakey impacted the lives of many young men and women as he dedicated his professional life to Education. He had an exemplary career as a teacher, coach, Principal, and later, Superintendent of Yadkin County Schools, NC, Worthington City Schools, Ohio and Kanawha County Schools, West Virginia. His love and compassion for Education and his students was extraordinary.

Some of his lifetime and career highlights included serving as Student Body President as a Junior at Appalachian State, playing for Coach E.C. Duggins in the 40’s and 50’s, and reuniting with the “Duggins Boys” each year; Coaching the 1965 Men’s 1A State Championship Basketball team at Boonville High School. Strong bonds continued among these men and their families for many years; and receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Beverly Pardue in 2012, along with numerous awards throughout his educational career.

Mr. Lakey will be available for friends and family to pay their respects from 1:30-3:00 PM Thursday August 15, 2024 at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville, NC. A Service of Celebration for his Life will follow the visitation at 3:00 PM Thursday in the Gentry Family Chapel by Rev. C.M. Worthy. A Private intimate graveside service will follow at a later date.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the many Angels that came into Dad’s life during his final year: New Horizons Home Care in Yadkinville, NC, Cammy Nicks of Yadkinville NC, Cadence Memory Care of Clemmons NC, Right at Home in Winston-Salem NC, and Trellis Support and Care Hospice Home in Winston-Salem NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to honor Ed Lakey’s life to Trellis Support and Care or to the Alzheimer’s Association to help with research to battle this disease.