Charles “Wayne” Wray

Charles “Wayne” Wray, 75, of Madison, passed away February 28, 2026, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at Smyrna Presbyterian Church, 3350 U.S. Hwy 65, Reidsville, NC 27320, on March 4, 2026, with Pastor Wayne Handy officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m.

Wayne was born February 14, 1951, in Reidsville, NC, to the late Charles Henry Wray and Alice Rakestraw Wray. Wayne grew up on his Pa’s tobacco farm, where he continued farming for several years with his brother, Gary. Afterwards, he began work at MacField and retired from Unifi after 44 years. He spent a lot of time leading his five younger siblings over the hills and through the woods. Wayne joined and served in the National Guard for six years after graduating from Wentworth High School in 1969.

Surviving is his loving wife of 33 years, Ruth Handy Wray; sons, Dean Hayden (Robin) of Mayodan and Jeff Hayden (Christie) of Stoneville; and daughter, Dawn Cain (Mike) of Reidsville. Grandchildren: Michaela, Nathan, Brandy, Jesse (Casey), Shawn (Katie), Dustin, and Kristen. Great-grandchildren: Memphis, Madelynn, Banner, and Landree. Siblings: Bonnie Joyce (RL), Deonne Walker, Gary Wray, Renee Gregg, and Pam Martin (Sam); along with a clan of nieces and nephews. Aunt Judy Ivy and special friend Cub Moore.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Lawson and Nannie Bolden Rakestraw and Elbert and Fannie Gatewood Wray.

Wayne was a loving “Papa,” and he adored his grandbabies. He was an uncle to 10 nieces and nephews; he made over them and they loved him dearly. He was a NASCAR fan, a lifetime admirer of Richard Petty, and most recently followed Chase Elliott. He loved golf, gardening, and old Western movies. He made the best cornbread, pintos, scrambled eggs, and steak.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Pattie Cardwell for her love and support.