Walter "Ray" Majors was born July 1, 1932 in Henderson, Kentucky. He spent his early childhood in Belle Glade, Florida where he was raised by his mother, Beulah Townsend Majors, and his older brother, Roy Francis Majors. The family moved to Atlanta for a brief period, then moved back to Florida to settle down in West Palm Beach. Shortly thereafter in 1944 at the age of 12, Ray lost his brother in service over Iwo Jima. It was at this time in his life that Ray learned the value of hard work and education. Though he was known to be a "mischievous youth", he was never without a job helping his mother and excelling in the classroom at Palm Beach High. During this time he would develop many lasting friendships, a theme he repeated throughout his life.

In 1950 Ray began college life at Duke University. He continued his education at the University of Florida in Gainesville where he completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacy. During this time he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Irene Sims on June 21, 1953. Upon graduation, Betty and Ray moved back to West Palm Beach where he began his career at Henry's Drug Store on Dixie Highway. For the next 22 years, Ray became the mainstay at Henry's Drug Store which he eventually purchased. Understanding the value of employment, Ray hired many of WPB's youth into their first jobs. If you were willing to work, he would find you something to do. Though the idea of hard work was important to Ray, he was really known for his love of the outdoors and his love of play. It was during this time that he and Betty raised their two sons, Russell and Roy. Their home was open to any youth and despite growing up without a father, Ray became a father figure to many.

Ray was a member of many local organizations including the Rotary Club. He also coached Little League Baseball. On most weekends you could find him sailing on the intercoastal with this two sons or in the woods of South Florida with family and friends hunting, fishing and camping. Ray enjoyed the South Florida neighborhood life which allowed for evening tennis matches and front yard lawn chair get togethers where he strengthened his friendships which last to this day.

In 1978 Betty and Ray left South Florida with their friendships in hand and moved to Rabun Gap, Georgia. Over the next 30 years Betty and Ray widened their circle of friends. Ray continued to work as a pharmacist and eventually purchased the Clayton Drug Store on Main Street. As in Florida, Ray became a mainstay in his local community. He is known for his involvement in many local clubs and community groups. He was a member of the Walnut Flats Hunt Club and the Clayton Rotary Club. He and Betty attended the Clayton United Methodist Church. Though he eventually sold Clayton Drug Store, Ray continued to work as a pharmacist up until the last week of his life.

Ray had little need for material things; rather he collected friends and had the ability to make everyone feel like family. His love in life was watching his four granddaughters become young women, coaching them along the way. Ray could put a smile on anyone's face and was always there for you. His young-at-heart spirit could always be seen in his smile, his willingness to joke and in his love for life and people.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Betty Irene Sims Majors. He is survived by his two sons, Russell Ray Majors (Rabun Gap, GA) and Roy Alan Majors (Charlotte, NC); his daughter-in-law, Nancy McMakin Majors; granddaughters April Renae Majors Campbell (David Campbell), Shannon Ann Majors, Jennifer Lauren Majors, and Rachael McMakin Majors.

Ray died on January 12th after a brave battle with lung disease. A Memorial Service honoring Ray's life will be held Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association 2452 Spring Rd.
Smyrna, Ga. 30080, or to a Charity of the donor's choice.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.