Ray Douglas Board, Jr.

Ray Douglas Board, Jr., 59, of Rocky Mount, VA (Franklin County), passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021 in Rocky Mount, VA unexpectedly but peacefully at his home.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, May 1, 2021 in the Chapel of Flora Funeral Home, 665 S. Main St. Rocky Mount, VA.  Pastor James Holland of Lovely Valley Baptist Church officiating.  Burial will follow immediately at Lovely Valley Baptist Church cemetery, where Ray will lay to rest alongside his mother and father.

Ray, fondly known as Ray-Ray, born in Brooklyn, NY to Barbara (Burgess) Board and Ray D. Board, Sr., on April 9, 1962.  Ray attended Friends School of Wilmington, DE.  He completed his B.A. in Economics at Georgetown University in 1984.  After college Ray worked several jobs that reflected his diverse interest and curiosity.  He worked in sales at IBM; learned everything about artwork and professional picture framing working at an Art Studio in Wilmington DE.  Eventually, he moved to Virginia and began work within the Franklin County Public School system as a beloved Educator.  Ray continued his studies and earned his Collegiate Professional License in Economics and Special Education General Curriculum K-12. He loved teaching students until he retired in the fall of October 2018.  After retirement he continued to impact student lives by tutoring.

Ray Board was a larger-than-life proud father and grandfather, who loved spending time with his family and his family loved him.  His passing leaves behind an unimaginable void.  He loved people and was loved and respected in his community, he would give a stranger the shirt off his back if someone needed it.  He was an avid walker, and the people of Rocky Mount would see Ray walking several times a day with his beloved dog, Blocky (formerly named Blockhead).  He was known for his generous and giving spirit wherever he went.  He loved visiting his son and family in Raleigh, North Carolina, visiting his close friends and the outdoors where he spent much of his time enjoying nature (hiking, swimming, sailing, walking) enjoying life on his terms, fearlessly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Ray Board Sr., his grandparents Moses and Josephine Via.  His grandmother, known as Mom Mom, was one of the greatest influences in his life after the death of his beloved Mother when he was a teenager.  Mom Mom’s words continued to guide him all his life.

Ray is survived by his only son, Austin deVere-Board of Raleigh, NC; daughter-in-law Nikole deVere-Board; grandchildren Austin Jr (AJ) and Amelia (Amy) deVere-Board; his friend and mother of his son Yvette deVere; his stepson Aaron deVere; and a host of cousins, other relatives, many friends and students.  When Ray was your friend, he was a friend for life.

The family ask that donations be made in memory of Ray Board to the Franklin County Animal Shelter.