Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

On November 17, 1937, the late Jonas and Ara Gatling welcomed the blessing of Ray Lee Gatling, Sr., in Bertie County, North Carolina.  “Pops” or “Uncle Ray Lee” as he was lovingly known, transitioned into eternal life on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Inova Alexandria, Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia.

Ray was educated in the Bertie County Public School System.  He was employed at Miller & Long for thirty-five years until his retirement. After retirement, Pops enjoyed hunting, carpentry, traveling, camping, working in his yard and spending time with his family and friends.  He was a very independent and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.  Until his demise, he was considered the “master of all trades” and “Mr. Fix-It.”  There was absolutely nothing that Pops couldn’t build from the ground up or mend back together.  He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and loved his Cowboy movies.  Pops presence and demeanor spoke volumes.

He met and married the love of his life, Jeannette Gatling, whom preceded him in death.  The Lord blessed their union in marriage with three children, Harriett Green, (deceased); Cynthia Gatling and Ray Lee Gatling, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memories his son Ray Lee Gatling Jr. (Vivian) and daughter, Cynthia Gatling; Durrell Carter (grandson), Capri Marquise Green, Sr. (grandson), Ray Lee Gatling, III (grandson), Dominique “Joy” Gatling (grand-daughter), Kinady Carter (great grand-daughter), Koley Carter (great grand-daughter), Leia Genesis Dixon (great grand-daughter), Capri Marquise Green, Jr (great grandson), Ezra Ray Gatling (great grandson) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Two sisters preceded him in death:  Margaret Stephenson and Willie Mae Gatling.

Three brothers preceded him in death:  Floyd, Forrest and James Gatling.

We will all cherish the memories left behind-from a loving man known as “Pops”, “Uncle Ray Lee” “Ham” and “Fair Weather”.

Relatives and friends are invited to Ray's Life Celebration on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10 A.M. until the start of the service at 11 A.M. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.

Ray Lee Gatling Sr.

Ray Lee Gatling Sr.

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