Johnnie Ray (Big Blue) Dumas

MR. JOHNNIE RAY "Big Blue" DUMAS, 69 of ALBEMARLE, NC passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at his home.

Private Memorial Service will be held Sunday, June 7, 2020 at Harris Funeral Home Chapel, 2529 NC Hwy 109, MT. Gilead, NC.  Harris Funeral Home & Cremations of MT. Gilead, NC which is serving the Dumas, Stanback and extended families.

Johnnie Ray Dumas, was born on Saturday, March 17, 1951, in Montgomery County, North Carolina, to the late Ed Dumas and Channie Bell Stanback Dumas.  Johnnie Ray, affectionately known to many as ' Big Blue" or "Blue", departed this earthly life on Tuesdayk June 2, 2020.

Johnnie Ray attended the public schools of Montgomery County of Mt. Gilead, NC.  Johnnie Ray, always losoking to better himselp and to make his way in life moved to High Point, NC and eventually found employment there.  Continuing to advance himself and seek opportunities, he relocated to New Jersey and eventually to Brooklyn, NY, where he was employed at the New York City Department of Sanitation until he retired in 2002.

Johnnie Ray continued his spiritual journey when he joined the Bright Light Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years under the leadership of first Rev. Frank Dillahunt, Jr., and then later under the leadersship of Rev. Akin O. Royall.  During his membership, Johnnie Ray. was very instrumental with the building and maintaining of the church.  He volunteered when he could.  Johnnie Ray was a member of the Male Chorus which he enjoyed.  He later became a member of Daniel Temple Church before relocating back to North Carolina.

Johnnie Ray was known for his big and generous heart.  He was always willing to help anyone in need.  Where ever they maybe in their lives.  Johnnie Ray was always humble when he helped anyone, never asking for anything in return.  He was there to listen, lend and ear or a big broad shoulder to cry or lean on.  He was admired by many but loved by so many more.  An example of Johnnie Rays selflessness and humbleness, while working on his route for the New York Department of Sanitation, he was instrumental in saving a young child from a burning building.  He was able to coax the child to jump into his arms where he was standing.

Johnnie Ray is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bobby Dumas, Edward Dumas and Robert M. "Jimbo" Dumas.  He will be sorely missed.

He leaves to cherish loving memories to his loving wife, Sandra; three sisters, Ella Mae Dumas, Eddie Mae Scarbough, Jearlean Goode (Floyd); one brother, William Dumas (Ella); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.