Chester Arthur Ray, Jr., lovingly known as “Chet”, of Columbia, South Carolina, was called to be with the Lord on November 18, 2020.  

He was born in Orangeburg, SC on December 1, 1959 to Vivian McMillan Ray and the late Chester A. Ray, Sr.  Chester’s parents taught him to love God, work hard, and value education. He gave his life to the Lord at a young age and was an active member of New Mount Zion Baptist Church. He participated in Sunday School and was a member of the Baptist Youth Fellowship. It was evident very early on that Chester was a born leader. He achieved the highest achievable rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended Orangeburg-Wilkinson (O-W) High School where he served on the Executive Board of the Student Council, was President of the Key Club, and a member of the National Honor Society and Air Force JROTC. Chester was nominated by his teachers and counselors to be a delegate at The Palmetto Boys State mock governmental system and leadership training program. He was also a member of the Drama Club where he was an honor thespian and a member of the International Thespian Society. He was active in various other organizations including the Student Faculty Relations Committee, Announcement Commission, and Audio Visual Commission. Anyone who knows Chester knows there is no doubt he loved the O-W Bruins. Chester could be seen commentating the Varsity basketball games and being an avid member of the Pep Club. He also received the Senior Superlative—Most School Spirit. 

Chester graduated from O-W in 1977 with honors and then attended the University of Pittsburgh where he participated in the Air Force ROTC and became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  It was here where his commitment to community enrichment and brotherhood thrived.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in 1981.  He then, honorably, served his country for 12 years in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Montana, California, Honduras, and Texas. During his service, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service among other accolades. After his military service, he gave his entire life to a career in physical security and law enforcement working with local contractors in the Columbia, S.C. area. 

Chester was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle, nephew, and friend.  His life is defined by his limitless personality and signature smile.  From his high school days filling people’s hearts with joy as 1/3 of the famed “Kick Up Crew” to his selfless dedication to his wife and family, Chester has always prioritized the joy and needs of others over his own. He loved traveling, fishing, and photography. From being an aficionado of funk and a self-proclaimed “funkateer” to his fine appreciation for jazz, Chester loved his music most.

Chester is preceded in death by his father Chester Sr. and his son Christian Daniel Ray.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife Mary Ray, a daughter Ariana Ray, and three sons Chester A. Ray, III, Craig Spotser and DeMoria Spotser.  He is also survived by his mother, Vivian Ray, four siblings, Derek Ray, Mark Ray, Vilinda McCann (Mark), and David Ray (Angela) and a host of loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, fraternity brothers and friends.
 

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Tuesday, November 24,2020 at Glover's Funeral Home at 1:00pm until 6:00pm. Omega services wil be held at 6:00pm at Glover's Funeral Home. 

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 25,2020 at Glover's Funeral Home beginning at 10:00am.