Minister Ray F. Fumea

Minister Ray F. Fumea, age 78, of Winder, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Born on January 22, 1947, Ray dedicated twenty-two years of his life to serving as the Minister of the Whistleville Christian Church, a role in which he became a source of guidance, inspiration, and support for countless individuals and families.

Throughout his career, Ray also notably served as a School Administrator for the Barrow County Christian Academy for forty-five years. His commitment to education and spiritual development shaped the lives of many students, fostering an environment where faith and learning could thrive together. Ray’s devotion to the Lord and his service to the church were among his proudest accomplishments, reflecting a life lived with purpose and integrity. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and his legacy of love and service will live on through the lives he touched.

Minister Fumea is preceded in death by his father, Alfonso "Babe" Fumea, mother, Fran McCullough Fumea, and brother, Rick (Susan) Fumea.

He is survived by his wife, Dotty Tapp Fumea, with whom he shared a wonderful marriage for 58 years. Together, they raised a family that includes their daughter, Stephanie (Keith) Highfield of Dacula, and their son, Minister Ray K. (Jennifer) Fumea of Winder; two sisters, Deb (Everett) Farris of Nebo, NC, and Teresa (Charlie) Hunt of Largo, FL. Ray was a proud grandfather to Heather (Josh) Hicks, Drew Highfield, Brett Highfield, Hannah Fumea, and Gracie Fumea. He was also a delighted great-grandfather to Eislee Hicks, who brought him immense joy and happiness.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Whistleville Christian Church with Minister Ray K. Fumea officiating. The family will be receiving friends on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Maddox-Carter Memorial Home.

The family respectfully request, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Barrow County Christain Academy at 83 Patrick Mill Road SW Winder, Georgia 30680.

Maddox-Carter Memorial Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements.