Kenneth Ray Lockhart

Kenneth Ray Lockhart, lovingly known to all as "Ray" received his healing and heavenly reward as he entered into the arms of our heavenly father on July 30, 2023. He was surrounded by his family he loved so dearly. 

Ray was born October 10, 1955, to the late Reverend Clayton Lockhart and Phyllis Jean Lee Lockhart. He is preceded in death by his brother, Toby Lockhart, his sister Linda Baxley, his brother Pat Lockhart Smith, his brother Michael Lockhart, his sister-in-law Robin Samuels (John), and his mother and father-in-law Ernestine and Willie Conley. 

He leaves behind the love of his life, his childhood sweetheart, his red head, his wife of 48 years, Patricia Ann Lockhart "Patty". These two shared a love and a marriage that one only reads about or sees in a movie; it was remarkable, timeless, and forever. He also leaves behind his only cherished daughter and best friend, Erica Lockhart Robinson and his beloved son-in-law and close friend, Jacob Robinson. Ray was the model dad and role model, and he taught us so many things about life, love, and faith. He has two precious grandsons left to cherish all their memories together with their papaw: Elijah Clay Robinson and Noah Ryan Robinson are his pride and joy, and the love these three shared is indescribable. Papaw was their buddy and their favorite person. They spent so much time together sharing laughs, hugs, long talks, and adventures. Ray has two special siblings, Brenda Lockhart, and Reverend Layton Lockhart (Linda, special sister-in-law), who all stood by him and loved him so dearly. He also leaves behind his special aunt Susie Sanders (John Bill). Ray has a host of other relatives, neighbors, and friends to remember his legacy.

Ray was of the Baptist Faith and a member of the Mount Gay Freewill Baptist Church.

Ray never met a stranger, and he has impacted so many lives. To know Ray was to love him. He was a jokester who knew how to make everyone laugh and feel special. He could sit and talk to a stranger like he knew them forever, and he especially loved to talk about food. Some of his fondest memories are those with his boys, Elijah, and Noah. He was the best papaw, dad, husband, uncle, and friend. Ray loved to fish, he was an avid golfer in his younger days, he loved to take drives, to read his Bible, and to share a good meal with family. He loved his coffee, sitting on his porch, and spending time with his family most of all. Ray had an infectious smile that could truly light up any room, his laughter was contagious, and he was the most gentle and selfless man. If you knew Ray, you knew what it felt like to truly be loved. The world is certainly a little dimmer without him in it, but heaven is now even sweeter. He would want everyone to know how to live their life and make the most of it, to be good, and to make things right to make it to Heaven. Even on days when he didn't feel his best, he always checked on those around him, offered a smile and some comforting words, and he shared his eternal love with us all. He has a beautiful testimony, he kept the faith, and he finished his course with dignity.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the Mount Gay Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Layton Lockhart officiating. Honoring Ray’s wishes his remains will be cremated following the services. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Akers-James Funeral Home.

Online Condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV.