Ray Harrison Warren Jr., 73, of Shady Banks, Washington, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016 after a hard-fought battle with leukemia.

Ray, known as Junie to many, was born November 6, 1942 in Belhaven, to parents Ray Warren and Harriet McHarney Warren. He grew up in Beaufort County along the banks of the Pungo where he formed a lifelong love for the water. He could be found hunting, fishing or tinkering on just about anything mechanical. He attended Chowan College and East Carolina University and was a U.S. Army veteran.

He was a proud member of the Washington Masonic Lodge No. 675.

He began his career as a DJ working with local radio stations and while in service, he served in Thailand as a member of the Armed Services Radio Network. He was owner of Warren Adjustment and provided amazing service to the residents of eastern North Carolina.

A talented artist, Junie was truly a Renaissance man — he could do anything, be it paint, carve wood or strum a guitar. And that voice! He had such a talent for song.

Whether it was sitting on the front porch swing with his guitar, performing with band mates, or sharing his gift with his grandchildren, his voice was full of emotion and immediately embraced you.

He is much loved far and wide, and will be dearly missed.

Ray is survived by his loving wife Joan Cochran Warren and children Chad Warren and wife Sandra, of Bath, Katherine Hunniecutt of Raleigh, SuSu Hunniecutt of Spokane, WA; and grandchildren, Grayson and Sam Warren, of whom he was so proud. Papatar loves you.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 10 am at Paul Funeral Home in Washington. Family will receive friends following the service. We ask that memorials be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Warren family.