Ray G. Manus, Sr.

Ray G. Manus, Sr., age 93, of Mooresboro, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Ray was born Sunday, March 22, 1931 in Union County, NC to the late John Bevlin and Bertha Osbourne Manus. Ray was a U.S. Army veteran and served as a Medic during the Korean War. He was the owner and operator of Ramanco Playground Equipment Company and the North Lincolnton Christian Daycare Center. As a playground construction engineer, he was able to use his skills to construct unique and enjoyable playground sets for children to enjoy. Ray was also an “Old Country Baptist Preacher” who loved spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He enjoyed the outdoors and was known for his unending work ethic. He could work circles around men half his age. Ray’s greatest passion was his family, and he loved gathering around a table of good food with loved ones. He also enjoyed taking care of his cats.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Kay Calaway; grandson, Johnathan Small; four brothers and two sisters.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of thirty-seven years, Barbara Manus; son, Ray Gilbert Manus, Jr. (Nancy) of Valrico, Florida; daughters, Elaine Manus Crouse (Barry) of Lincolnton, NC, Gail Manus Gilbert of Cherryville, NC and Ann Manus Rudisill (Jimmy) of Cherryville, NC; twelve grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren and his pet cat, Arnell.

A private graveside service will be conducted at the Manus Hilltop Cemetery with Reverend Jimmy Rudisill officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 22nd at Harrelson Funeral Home.

The family requests that no food be taken to the home and that memorial donations be sent to a local pet shelter of one’s choice.