William Ray Stilwell, 88, of Hayesville passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at his residence. He was a native and lifetime resident of Hayesville. Ray was a farmer and won the Farmer of the Year Award from the Soil & Water Conservation District. Ray worked as a builder and carpenter and could do about anything you asked of him. Ray was outgoing and cared for his community, always willing to help. Ray and his wife always put their kids first. He loved gospel music, camping, and picnicking with his family. Ray was of the Baptist faith and loved the Lord.

He was the son of the late William Harrison and Ella Mae Melton Stilwell. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Pauline Stilwell, Christine Stevens, and Fannie Killian; two brothers, Alex and Charlie Stilwell; and a grandson, Stacey Stilwell.

Surviving are his wife and soulmate of nearly 69 years, Mattie Ledford Stilwell; a son, Stanley Stilwell and wife, Sharon of Hayesville; two daughters, Patricia Schrock and husband, Gary of Gainesville, Georgia, and Linda Conrad and husband, James of Hayesville; three grandchildren, Priscilla Stilwell, Greg Wood, and Rebecca Ledford; and a great grandson, Josh Stilwell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Chapel of Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville with the Revs. Clark Moss and Aline Mosteller officiating. The interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David, Anthony, Ricky, William, Derrick, and Johnny Stilwell, and Mike Killian.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 Thursday afternoon at the Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville prior to the services.

The family requests memorials be made in memory of William Ray Stilwell to Mattie Stilwell, 8449 Tusquittee Road, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Ivie Funeral Home, Hayesville in charge of all arrangements.