Ray Marvin DeHart

Ray Marvin DeHart, age 89, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, proud military service, deep Christian faith, and strong mountain roots.

Born on May 25, 1937, in Fontana, North Carolina, Ray was one of seven children born to the late Fred and Rosie DeHart. Raised in the rugged mountains of western North Carolina during the Great Depression and World War II, Ray learned the values of grit, self-reliance, and perseverance early in life.

At the age of 17, Ray answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War. He completed his training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, proudly serving his country as an 82nd Airborne Paratrooper—a chapter of his life he remembered with immense pride.

Following his honorable service, Ray met the love of his life, Ruth. The two were married on September 23, 1961, building a life and a family together. Seeking steady opportunity, Ray moved the family to the greater Atlanta area, where he forged a long, respected career in heavy construction. He worked extensively in pipeline construction—eventually operating his own pipeline company—before spending decades as a skilled crane operator helping construct major bridges across the Atlanta landscape.

An avid outdoorsman, Ray was happiest in the woods or on the water. His true passion was coon hunting, breeding and training champion Treeing Walker Coonhounds that earned widespread respect in the hunting community. Above all, Ray was a firm believer in Christ. In his later years, he brought immense joy to those around him, blossoming into a cheerful, social presence in assisted living, cherishing visits from family, and faithfully cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth DeHart; his son, Bryan DeHart; his parents, Fred and Rosie DeHart; and several siblings.

His memory and legacy will be forever cherished by his surviving family: his daughter, Sheila Johnson, and her husband, Joel; his son, Darin DeHart, and his wife, Traci; seven beloved grandchildren; four cherished great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and dear friends.