Ray Warren Strader, 78, of Reidsville. passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Ray was born in Rockingham County to the late Womble Aycock Strader and Frances Edna Duncan Strader. He graduated from Ruffin High School in 1965 and completed the machinist program at Rockingham Community College the following year. In 1967, he opened Strader’s Auto Service, which he proudly owned and operated for 42 years. His knack for fixing just about anything became a blessing to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Ray faithfully served as a charter member of the Oregon Hill Fire Department for over 55 years, including seven years as the department’s first elected Fire Chief. He was also instrumental in bringing the first cell tower to Rockingham County—just one example of how he always looked for ways to improve his community. His love for animals—especially horses and dogs—was a lifelong passion. That love led him to serve as a proud member of the Rockingham County Mounted Patrol. He committed his life to Christ at the age of 14, and that faith remained his guiding light. He often said his greatest joy was helping others, whether it was comforting a child with a scraped knee or responding to a call as a firefighter. His wish was simple: to leave the world better than he found it, and to see his family carry on a legacy built on truth, honor, respect, and the love that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth “Joyce” Reynolds Strader; his children, Tyler Ray Strader and wife Amanda and Stacey Strader Joyce and husband Ray; his grandchildren, Cory Ray Strader, Colin Ray Strader, Owen Dean Joyce, Maddie Grace Joyce, and Eli Reid Joyce; his sister, Betty Strader Lawrence; and numerous neices and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mount Carmel Global Methodist Church Endowment Fund or Cemetery Fund.
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