Edsel Ray Hiatt

After a lengthy illness, Mr. Edsel “Ray” Hiatt, 90, peacefully passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022. He was born February 2, 1932, in Lexington, NC to the late Emmett and Nelia Fishel Hiatt. Ray, also lovingly known as the “Groundhog,” made friends wherever he went and never knew a stranger. To all of those who knew him, he was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He retired from the Winston-Salem Journal where he served 31 years in the Circulation Department. As an avid golf enthusiast, he spent many years on a variety of courses sharpening his game and even enjoyed working part-time as a Ranger at the Tanglewood Golf Club. He also worked various golf tournaments such as the Crosby National Celebrity Golf Tournament in Bermuda Run. Ray was very active with the United Methodist Men (UMM) and served as President with the local district. He was a life member and recognized as a Fellow of the Society of John Wesley. Ray was passionate about his work with the UMM and for many years, coordinated rallies at the Western United Methodist Men Conferences in Lake Junaluska. In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years, Gail Blackburn Hiatt; daughter, Amanda Rae Hiatt; nine siblings; and furbaby, Wuffy. He is survived by his wife, Leona Isgett Hiatt; daughter, Alexandra Shreve (Donald); granddaughter, Lauren Swain (Bradley); and two grandpups, Gracie and Shelby. A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 Noon Monday, November 7th at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon prior to the service at the funeral home. A private entombment will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC, or Crystal Coast Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.