Eston Ray Dockery

Eston Ray Dockery, 82, of Rock Hill, SC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on July 7, 2025, following a heart attack at the family's beach townhome in Litchfield, SC. True to form, Ray spent his final day doing what he loved most—exercising and painting, living life to the fullest right until the end.

Ray was born on December 9, 1942 to Eston Ray Sr. and Mary James and would proudly tell you he was from Johnson City, Tennessee! His love for his home state ran deep and never wavered, no matter where life took him.

After playing baseball at Anderson College in Indiana, Ray continued his education by earning his master's degree at East Tennessee State University and his doctorate at the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!). Ray built a diverse and meaningful career that reflected his heart for serving others. He worked in manufacturing, spent cherished years as an elementary teacher where his love for children truly shone, and later became a beloved professor, touching countless young lives along the way.

Ray married Susan Ankrim, who he  believed was  the best thing he ever did.  Together, they built a beautiful family and shared 43 amazing years of marriage. Their marriage was a true example of partnership filled with laughter, devotion, and unwavering support through all of life's adventures. Ray and Susan were blessed with four wonderful children: John Henry, Patricia Joyce, Michael Ray, and Joshua Mark.

The foundation of Ray’s life was built on his love of Jesus. His shepherd’s heart led him to live a remarkably consistent and disciplined life;  serving as an elder at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, where he was also a Sunday school teacher and faithful choir member. His voice could be heard every Sunday, singing praises with that distinctive high-pitched laugh that would inevitably sneak into the hymns, bringing smiles to everyone around him.

Ray was a true servant to his community in every sense of the word. Whether he was delivering bread to neighbors, raking leaves for elderly friends, or simply spending time with those who didn't have family nearby, Ray embodied the love of Christ in his daily actions. He also served on the board of KeyStone Rehab Center, always looking for ways to help others overcome their struggles and find hope.

Ray was an avid runner who took great pride in his 2:42 marathon time. He was also a passionate reader, a talented bread maker (the whole neighborhood knew when Ray was baking!), and could often be found with a cup of coffee in hand, ready to chat with anyone who needed a listening ear.

Throughout his life, Ray faced numerous health challenges with remarkable courage and persistence, surviving cancer, ulcerative colitis, gallbladder issues, Crohn's disease, AFib, and previous heart episodes. He was truly a fighter who never let anything slow him down or dim his positive spirit.

Above all, Ray's greatest passion was his family. He was incredibly proud of being married to "the love of his life for 43 years," as he would tell anyone who would listen. He loved watching his children grow into wonderful adults and was absolutely devoted to his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and kept him young at heart.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Susan Dockery; his children John Henry, Patricia, Michael ( Amy), and Josh ( Kelly ); his cherished grandchildren Elizabeth, Kristopher, Sue Anne, Chris, William, James , Piper , Mary Lou, Charlie , and Josie ; his siblings Brenda Dockery of Denver, CO, and David Dockery of Johnson City, TN; and countless friends whose lives he touched through his generous spirit and servant's heart.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Eston Ray Sr. and Mary James.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to KeyStone at https://keystoneyork.org/about-keystone/funding/, an organization close to Ray's heart that continues his mission of helping others.

Ray Dockery lived a life that truly mattered. He showed us all what it means to love God, love family, and love others with everything you have. His legacy of faith, service, and joy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we take comfort in knowing that Ray is now running on streets of gold, probably already organizing a Sunday school class in heaven.

Condolences may be made at www.burroughsfh.com