OAK ISLAND — Ray Eugene Fulbright, 88, peacefully passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Ray was born Nov. 3, 1932, in Granite Falls, the second child born to Anne Maie and Jace Fulbright. After growing up in Granite Falls and graduating high school, Ray met and fell in love with Margaret Irene Jolley. They married July 29, 1952, then Ray entered the U.S. Navy and served six years. Upon discharge from the U.S. Navy, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving for another 18 years and was stationed in areas across the world. During this time of service, Ray and “Rene” welcomed Ray Eugene “Chip” Fulbright Jr. and Sandra Lee Fulbright into their family. Ray was discharged honorably from service in 1974 and settled in Gastonia. There, Ray joined the sheriff’s department, working as a deputy until retirement in 1990. His retirement years were spent enjoying the beach and sound of Oak Island. Ray was always working on this home and property, enjoying the slower pace of life of the coast. Even in his last days, Ray was outside taking down a small cedar tree with an axe in backyard.