Norman Ray Warren, 76, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 11, 2026, while vacationing with his family at Bald Head Island.

Ray was born on April 9, 1950, in Goldsboro, North Carolina, to the late Norman Earl Warren and Nancy Harris Warren. He graduated from Fike High School in Wilson, North Carolina, and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his business degree.

Ray dedicated his life to serving the Lord and ministering to others as a pastor and counselor. He was the founding pastor of Kernersville Community Church and had served as a pastor with Manna Church for the past 18 years. Pastor Ray had a deep passion for sharing the love of Christ through mission work and counseling. He especially loved helping people find freedom, healing, and hope through the transforming power of God. His heart for ministry and his desire to see lives changed were central to his life's calling.

Beyond his ministry, Ray was a devoted family man who treasured his role as a husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family dearly and was blessed by the joy of his four grandchildren. His faith, compassion, and love for others made a lasting impact on the many lives he touched throughout his life and ministry. His legacy of faith and service will continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Earl Warren and Nancy Harris Warren; his brother, Philip Warren; and his brother-in-law, Don Hinton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathy Heron Warren; his son, Andrew Warren, and daughter-in-law, Julie; his beloved grandchildren, Isaac, Petra, Jozlyn, and Micah; his sister, Ellen Hinton; his sister-in-law, Jean Warren; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service is being planned, and details will be announced soon.

Online condolences may be left at www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301.