John David Ray , "J.R." born to Elizabeth Harrington and John Woodfork on January 17, 1946, fell asleep in death on July 1, 2024. John grew up in Bronx, New York.

He graduated from Haren High School and earned an associate degree in John J. College. The Bible transformed his life, and he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on December 19, 2019. John attended the Victoria Boulevard congregation and remained faithful to his dedication until his death. He was very passionate about Jehovah and loved to write letters to comfort his neighbors by sharing encouraging words from the Bible during the pandemic and beyond.

John was an independent entrepreneur in New York and in Virginia. He had a comic great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his step-daughter, Cynthia Monroe. He loved animals, shooting pool, basketball and football, playing cards, music, and chest. John was an outstanding basketball player and a sharp dresser who loved his grandchildren and loved to talk.

John is preceded in death by his stepfather, John Harrington, his mother, Elizabeth Harrington, his brother, Thomas Ray, and his wife, Olive Ray. He leaves behind to treasure his memory, his son, Khiry Lane, his step-daughter, Cynthia Monroe, and his sister, Alfrieda Reynolds. John has 4 beautiful grandchildren, Faith Lane, Karter Lane, Peyton Lane, and Logan Lane. A host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, and special friends.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, 717 E. Little Back River Road, Hampton, Virginia.