Lewis Ray Nobles passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2024. He was born on January 11, 1931, and raised in Colonial Heights, VA, the oldest son of Lewis M. and Johnnie Sue Nobles. He attended the University of Richmond, served in the US Army as an SFC during the Korean War, and was the first Trumpet in the 221st Army Band.
After military service, Ray graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy in 1955. He moved to Newport News and began his career as an independent pharmacist for over 20 years, as part-owner of Gorsuch Pharmacy in downtown Newport News and Hilton and then at Denbigh Pharmacy. Ray then went to work as a K-Mart pharmacist until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of local, state, and national pharmacy associations and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.
Ray was a 32nd-degree Master Mason and belonged to Warwick Lodge #336, the Scottish Rite, and the York Rite. He was a former member of the Denbigh Kiwanis Club and served for 23 years as a volunteer at the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport. Ray’s hobbies included boating, hunting, and fishing. He loved music and was a proud supporter of the CNU Friends of Music Association. He also enjoyed travel, including beach trips to the OBX and Captiva Island, FL, and several European trips. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Ray’s lifelong love of the water and boating led to one of his proudest accomplishments. In 1958, at the age of 27, he became one of the founding charter members of the Warwick Yacht and Country Club, where he remained a member until his death.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty S. Nobles, who was his High School sweetheart; his daughter, Diane Nobles Taylor, and son-in-law Edward C Taylor; and his brother, Gerald B Nobles. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Nobles Barnes (Kevin); grandchildren, Ian K Barnes (Caitlin), Erinn B Rowe (Alex); Meghan L Taylor; and Dylan E Taylor; and great-grandchildren, Natalie, Cole, Elaina, and Adam.
Visitation will be held on January 7, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church, Newport News, VA, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by the service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.
8 Comments
Ray was one of the greatest generation, kind, smart, and giving. He and Betty were friends for years and will not be forgotten. RIP Ray.
Ray was a Christian gentleman and a friend of mine at Grace UMC. He attended the U.M. Men’s breakfasts and the Sunday School class toward the end of his years. He loved the music of the church especially the majestic hymns. The new modern tunes were okay but he was a “High Church Methodist” and proud of it. Toward the end of his life he said often he was ready to go and felt like he was okay with that. He passed on Christmas day at 93, and entered triumphantly into heaven. “Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Master” Matthew 25: 23.
So sorry to hear of Rays passing. He and Betty were very first neighbors ,after we were married April 1956 , in Huntington Courts apartments in Newport News. Friends for many years, also our pharmacist.
Fantastic man
Such a wonderful family and legacy in our community- I knew your parents when I was in the youth orchestra. Your family (and Ray/Betty especially) left a mark- and it was for the good.
I worked with Ray in the KMart Pharmacy
A gentle beautiful man. It was always a joy to see him at the Ferguson Center enjoying the VSO
I met Mr. Nobles over 35 years ago at the Warwick Yacht and Country Club. He always smiled at me and genuinely asked how I was doing. He will be sorely missed. Heather Ford
Suzie,
I will miss seeing him walking through the neighborhood. He was an inspiration to me to keep up with my walking! He always stopped to tell my how beautiful my red flowers were each year. When I plant the Salvia this year I will think of him. Godspeed to him and prayer for you and yours.