James Rayford Channell, Sr.

James Rayford (Ray) Channell, Sr., age 90, of Conyers, GA, went to be with the Lord June 1, 2023. Ray was born June 18, 1932, and was the son of the late Marvin and Rubye Channell of White Plains, GA. He was also predeceased by his wife Martha of 65 years, his only sibling Tom Channell, and infant son Marvin Fred Channell. His memory lives on with his daughter Theresa (Dan) Ray; daughter Jane (Clint) Davis; and son Ray Channell, Jr.; grandchildren Brittany (Allen) Norton; Meredith Ray; Joshua (Tanya) Davis and Cody Davis and great-grandchildren Macie and Mason Norton and Gideon Davis.

Ray graduated from Greene County High School and began working with Henson Furniture Company in Greensboro, GA. While living in Greensboro, he became a Mason at the San Marino Lodge #34. He met his beloved wife Martha, and they were married in 1952. Ray then enlisted into the United States Air Force and was stationed in Maine, Colorado, and Saudi Arabia. Afterwards, he returned to Greensboro and resumed his career in the furniture business with Henson Furniture Company. Ray managed the Greensboro store for many years, then was promoted to be the manager of the Henson Furniture Store in McDonough, GA. In 1972 he and his family moved to Conyers, GA, which was his home for over 50 years. In 1986 Ray and Martha purchased Moseley Furniture Company in Stockbridge, GA and continued the legacy of the original family business.  Over the years, while working at their store, customers always valued his professionalism, his honesty, his integrity, and his motto, “Because of the customer, we exist.”

Throughout his life, Ray Channell was a caring son and supportive brother; a loving husband and devoted father with strong values; and a doting and proud grandfather (PawPaw) and great grandfather. Family meant the world to Ray and his goal in life was to work hard to provide for them. His eyes would always light up when he would see one of those precious grandchildren/great-grandchildren, and especially while being a proud spectator of their many activities.

Ray was also regarded as a genuine and loyal friend to so many and someone with an enormous heart.  If someone was in need, he was always there to help them. He truly loved his family and friends. He chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us. He loved the Lord, and his greatest attribute was being a follower of Jesus Christ. He loved reading his Bible and was an active member of New Covenant Fellowship (Church) in Conyers. On Sundays he would always meet everyone with a big warm smile on his face.  Even during the trying times with his health complications, Ray carried himself with dignity and strength and was full of love for everyone. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, June 5, at New Covenant Fellowship (Church), 1295 Parker Rd SE,Conyers, GA 30094 at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Barbour officiating. Prior to the service, there will be a visitation from 11:00-12:00. Immediately following the service, everyone will travel to Liberty United Methodist Church, 3091 Liberty Church Rd, White Plains, GA 30678 for a graveside service. Serving as pallbearers are Mr. Cody Davis, Mr. Josh Davis, Mr. Gideon Davis, Mr. David Halliday, Mr. Antonio Johnson, Mr. Tom Leach, Mr. Allen Norton and Mr. Mason Norton. HONORARY PALLBEARERS will be The very special and compassionate team of caregivers at Southern Grace Hospice and at Right at Home. It was so evident that each of you possess a true passion for what you do each and every day. Dad, along with his family, loved you and appreciated you dearly. Thank you!

Billy Graham once said: “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”  We love you, Dad, and thank you for being our father.

McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Ray’s memory can be made to New Covenant Fellowship (Church) earmarked for the Capital Fund account. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA (706) 453-2626. 

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