James Ray Alley
April 27, 1950 ~ January 27, 2015
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Rev. James Ray Alley, age 64 went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. He was born in Greensboro, N.C. on April 27, 1950 to the late B.C. "Pete" Alley and the late Blanche Fulp Alley. He is also preceded in death by his father-in-law, Col. William E. Lewis.
Jim graduated from N.C. State and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. He was called as the minister of music and youth at First Baptist Church of Mooresville, N.C., where he served for nine years. Jim served as minister of music for twelve years at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, N.C.
For the last 20 years Jim served as the Associate Pastor of Music and Worship at First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, N.C. Jim was a gifted musician and director. His greatest gift was the ability to help others use their gifts to serve the Lord.
Outside of ministry, Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He always looked forward to planning his next hunting trip.
Jim leaves behind his wife, Gail Lewis Alley; his daughter, Eliza Alley McCullough, her husband, Winfield McCullough, and his grandson James. Also surviving him is his sister, Carole Alley King and her husband, Charles; his mother-in-law, Mary Frances Lewis; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bill and Carol Purcell, Lloyd and Cheryl Massengill, Bill and Ruth Ann Lewis and John and Frances Lewis; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, officiated by Dr. Michael K. Moore and Rev. Dennis Darville. Visitation will follow the service in the church family ministry center.
In lieu of flowers Jim requested donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount Music Department, 200 S. Church street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home. 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount)
200 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 2/1, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Memorial
First Baptist Church (Rocky Mount)
200 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Sunday 2/1, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of James Ray Alley
Heaven has certainly received an angel. May God be with the family in this time of loss. Eric Wordsworth
Alley Family Jim was a special guy…I did not see him that often, but would often hear my mother- in law, Phoebe, talk about him and his funny jokes and sarcastic and amusing remarks. Jim always had a way to make one feel special and he was one of those rare persons who was genuinely interested in you. I was fortunate enough to hunt with him once. While we got skunked on the ducks, he was so gracious and good-natured that the hunt and 2 hour ride was nonetheless a fine experience. Jim, his care for others and his grace will be sorely missed. Bill Fentress New Bern NC
No words can ever really express the sorrow and sadness of saying goodbye to such a wonderful pastor and friend. He was one of the finest men I have ever been blessed to know. He cared about everyone he met and brought joy to so many through the music he shared and taught so wonderfully. Our church family mourns a true brother in Christ. I am praying the Lord will bring comfort and peace to the family he leaves behind. God bless you all.
Jim is so dearly loved and fondy remembered by my wife, Terry, and I. Just before the start of our first Sunday morning service at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, Jim extended such a genuine, warm welcome to us– as we were brand new-comers to town, December, 23 years ago. After the worship service, Jim and dear Eliza invited Terry and I to join them for lunch and some good ol’ Christian fellowship. At the end of that beautiful day, we knew we were at home at ‘Friendly’–although we never quite mastered Jim’s endearing Southern British accent. ) Our Lord used this mighty servant, Jim Alley, in amazing ways. Now Jim is in paradise–and I am certain, he’s singing praises to the Almighty. Much love and comfort to Jim’s family, Rob & Terry MacDougall
Lit a candle in memory of James Ray Alley
Not sure if I will make it to the service, but I wanted you to know that my heart is heavy and hurting for you. Gale, you and Jim have been my friends for a long time and will certainly miss him. I know that your faith in God will give you the strength that will be needed in the coming difficult days.
Jim was a blessing to our church with his music talents and his warm, caring spirit. We know he is singing in Heaven’s choir with his beautiful tenor voice. Our prayers are with his family. We are thankful to have known him and will miss him. Jean & Haywood Evans
Gail my love and my heart goes out to at this some what difficult time. My God keep you and continue to bless you and the family.I will always keep you in my prayers.Gail I will always remember Jim as he ask me to come join the choir when i got ready. He also ask me about playing the bellsme if iwanted to play bells. I will never forget him. Peace and Love to you and the family. Annette T. Wiggins
We will always remember Jim for his friendly and joyful attitude. He made it a point to go around to all the tables at dinner Wednesday nights and say some kind words to everyone. I am especially thankful and impressed that he would use his time on a Saturday morning to take our grandson, Christopher Smallwood, fishing. That was very special and kind which is the way we always saw him. God will bless Jim Alley for his loving and caring ways. Gene and Liz Smallwood
I was blessed to know Jim as a customer and friend. I believe Jim brought smile to every face he encountered and I will always remember that warm smile and laugh of his! My prayers and condolences to Jim’s family and to all of his friends- to know Jim was to love him and Heaven is certainly a sweeter place because of him.
I met Jim Alley about 28 years ago when he and a group… I think it was called Musicians on Mission… came to Des Moines, Iowa. I was involved in that church while we lived in Iowa. Jim and I hit it off. I went to Ridgecrest in NC and attended a music conference there. I recall that Jim and I attempted to play golf! A couple of years later, I was at a pastorate north of Wolf Point, Montana in a small community called Lustre. Jim came up with friends to go hunting for pheasants. We walked many miles chasing the elusive birds. More laughter than any other result. I have since moved to Oklahoma and have recently regained contact with Jim through FaceBook. Jim was always friendly and encouraging to me. I recall how much he talked of his wife Gail…. and even more of his little girl Eliza. I have not seen him for quite awhile and can only imagine the sorrow of the loss of someone as outgoing and loving as Jim Alley was. My sympathy to his wife, daughter and the rest of his family and his many, many friends. My heart hurts as I write this. Prayers for all. A big OKLAHOMA HUG to all.
I remember Jim fondly and know that I learned so much from him in youth choir at FABC. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Jennifer Luck Randall
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Jim was a awesome person. The choir in Heaven has gained a wonderful angel. My his memeory bring you peace and comfort. Jim and Lisa Reid
My sincere condolences to the Alley family for your loss. Certainly James will be missed! During this time of sorrow, meditating on the promises that Jehovah God has given us in his word the Bible, regarding the end of death (Rev 214,5), and the resurrection hope (Act 2415), can provide comfort and hope-2 Cor. 13, 4! If you have any questions, Please feel free to email me at [emailprotected] May your family be comforted!
Jimmy and I were classmates and good friends throughout school. I enjoyed seeing him at class reunions. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a kind word for everyone. I am very sorry for your loss. Jane Cummings Driver
Jim is so dearly loved and fondy remembered by my wife, Terry, and I. Just before the start of our first Sunday morning service at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church in Greensboro, Jim extended such a genuine, warm welcome to us– as we were brand new-comers to town, December, 23 years ago. After the worship service, Jim and dear Eliza invited Terry and I to join them for lunch and some good ol’ Christian fellowship. At the end of that beautiful day, we knew we were at home at ‘Friendly’–although we never quite mastered Jim’s endearing Southern British accent. ) Our Lord used this mighty servant, Jim Alley, in amazing ways. Now Jim is in paradise–and I am certain, he’s singing praises to the Almighty. Much love and comfort to Jim’s family, Rob & Terry MacDougall
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. He will be greatly missed by all. I always looked forward to seeing him at the family reunion. He could always find humor and make us laugh at life events. Bernardine Fulp Prevette
On behalf of the Communications Department of Nash UNC Health, we want to extend our deepest condolences to all of you. May the sweet peace of GOD be with you. In my Father’s house are many mansions if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 142
Lit a candle in memory of James Ray Alley
Now once a day, but mostly more, You knock upon my daydream door, And I say warmly come right in, I’m so glad you’re here with me again. We sit down and have a chat, Recalling this, discussing that, Until some task that I must do, Takes me away from you. Reluctantly I say good-bye, Smiling with a little sigh, For though my daydreams brings you near, I wish you were really here. But what reality can’t change, My dreams and wishes can arrange, And each you will be brought, To me, each day, a guest in thought….
Sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one. May the comforting promises from God ease your pain during this difficult time. One of which is found at Isaiah 258. There it says He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. Again, please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.
Lit a candle in memory of James Ray Alley
Lit a candle in memory of James Ray Alley
My hope is to give a pint of blood to the Red Cross until I reach 25 pints to honor my cousin Jim. Go Wolfpack. Charlie
Gail, We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of him and he was such a warm, generous person. He truly had a way of making people feel very special. You, Eliza, and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Teresa Ahrens