Rev. Raymond Edward Pooley

Rev. Raymond Edward Pooley 70, of Liberty, South Carolina passed away at home, Thursday, August 22, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born February 24, 1949 in Romulus, Michigan to Richard Pooley and Ethel Pooley.  On June 12, 1982 he married Ruth Ann McCoy in Flint, Michigan.

Ray enlisted in the Navy in 1968 as a Shipboard Engineer serving aboard the USS San Marcos. Ray was honorably discharged in October 1970.

After the Navy, Ray worked as a Quality Engineer for automotive suppliers in Michigan. Ray and Ruth moved to South Carolina in 1993 so Ray could attend Southern Wesleyan University where he earned his GED and graduated in 1998 with honors earning a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Religion.

Ray became the Pastor of several churches including Startex Wesleyan in Duncan, South Carolina where he retired in 2010. During his time as Pastor, he officiated many marriages including his son Charles’ marriage to Aleksandra. In 2013 Ray traveled to Macedonia to assist in the Orthodox wedding ceremony of Charles and Aleksandra.

As Pastor of Startex, Ray appeared on South Carolina Channel 16 when he sang and gave his testimony.

Ray provided computer support and consulting to a number of companies including Entertainment Publications and Workfolio.

He then drove a school bus for Pickens County Public Schools where he retired in February, 2019 due to health issues.

Ray is survived by his wife Ruth and four children, Charles (Aleksandra) Pooley of New York, NY, Julie (Matt) Szwed of Lincoln Park, MI, Stacey Roberts of Livonia, MI, and Nacole (Chris) Paetz of Locust, NC.

Ray is also survived by his brothers Robert (Dawn) Pooley of Florida, Jerry (Charlotte) McCoy of Florida, and Jerry Moss of Mississippi, and his sisters Ginni Drews of Michigan, Pam Bouchard of South Carolina, and Karen Becker of Mississippi.

Ray is also survived by his Grandchildren Troy Ferguson, Stephanie Roberts, Noah Szwed, Savannah Roberts, Cameron Szwed, Sienna Roberts, Zander Szwed, Charity Paetz and Trey Paetz; and Great Grandchildren Juliette Roberts and Levi Ferguson.

Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Richard, Randy and Ron.

Ray will be remembered for his faith in God, ministry to others, dedication to the community, love of music and singing, and an indelible sense of humor even in difficult times.

The family invites friends to share with them a time of memorial visitation on Saturday, August 24th at 10:00 AM at Ray and Ruth’s home, 116 Gillespie, Liberty, South Carolina, where a memorial service to honor his life will take place at 10:30 AM that day.

Ray’s remains will be interned with military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

.  To sign the online register, light a free candle in his memory as a source of comfort to the family, send a floral arrangement to the home, go to :www.lutherjohnsonfh.com

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