Ray Carson Clendenin Jr., 78, of Statesville, N.C., died Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Gordon Hospice House. He was born in Iredell County on April 10, 1942, to the late Ray C. Clendenin Sr. and Johnnie Burgin Clendenin.

Ray graduated from Statesville High School in 1960 and had worked in the manufacturing industry, retiring from Thomasville Upholstery in 2004. He most recently had been a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he led the music for a number of years. He loved to sing and especially enjoyed gospel music, but more than anything he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of over 40 years, Sheila Holland Clendenin; two sons, Everett Clendenin (Cindy) and Tripp Clendenin (Donette); stepsons, Steve Goodwin (Theresa) and Charles Goodwin; three grandchildren, Carson Clendenin, Cam Clendenin, and Will Clendenin; goddaughter, Addie Lentz; and fur baby, Buddy.

He is also survived by a brother, Mike Clendenin (Jane),

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 1, 2021, at 1 p.m. at the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Tripp Clendenin officiating. The family requests that masks be worn. The service will be live streamed beginning promptly at 1 p.m. The family will visit with friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville NC 28625. Online condolences may be left at www.nicholsonfunerals.com.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.