Thursday, August 6, 2026 4:39 pm

Ray Towery, 95, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Born in Cleveland County on July 22, 1931, he was the son of the late Creed Joe Towery and Zinnia Bailey Towery.

Ray was a lifelong farmer, devoted Christian, and faithful member of Lattimore Baptist Church. Alongside his beloved wife, Wilma, he farmed the family's land in Sumter, South Carolina, for more than 38 years before returning to Lattimore in 1991. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the age of 12 and faithfully served as a deacon at Graham Baptist Church in Sumter and later at Lattimore Baptist Church.

Ray and his wife, Wilma Eaker Towery, shared 69 years of marriage before her passing in 2017. He was honored as South Carolina's Outstanding Young Farmer for his achievements in agriculture and community service. He also served 25 years on the Board of Directors of Farmers Telephone Cooperative, including several years as chairman, was a director of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, and served as mayor of the Town of Lattimore.

He is survived by his son, Mark Towery and wife, Susan, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; his daughter, Jane Towery Vogels and husband, John, of Shelby; grandsons, Frank William "Will" Chandler IV and wife, Suzanne, and Matthew Ray Chandler and wife, Chrystie; five great-grandchildren, Jackson Ray Chandler, Savanna Grace Chandler, Molly Grace Chandler, Corey Ray Chandler, and Cody Michael Chandler; his brother, Don Gale Towery; and his sister, Edith Towery Eaker.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Lattimore Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lattimore Baptist Church: PO Box 188, Lattimore, NC 28089

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.