Raymond Clapp, Jr.

Gibsonville - Beginning March 6, 2020, Ray kept saying “I want to go Home”.  On Thursday, August 6, 2020 surrounded by family, he made his final journey home.

Ray was born in Guilford County on January 18, 1952 to the late Raymond Carson Clapp, Sr. and Margaret Ruth Stewart Clapp. He was the owner of Ray Clapp’s BackHoe Company of which he built himself over the years with the help of his son, Chris,

nephew, Chad and brother, Harry.   He hired many guys to drive trucks and earth-moving equipment, training and mentoring them through some difficult times.  His guys became dedicated friends, family and caregivers.

Ray was a gifted mechanic, pulling engines out of cars with a block and tackle in the front yard and rebuilding engines on the kitchen table with his father, much to the dismay of his mother.  He and his team were talented Movers of Earth, clearing land for ponds, developments and for the Greensboro Science Center expansion.

He laid out roads and installed underground drainage systems for housing developments including Joseph’s Claim.  One of his last developments was Ferguson Creek near Kimesville, which was the 100-acre farm where he grew up.

He never met a stranger and could carry a conversation with anyone. His crazy wit, sarcasm and compassion for others were noteworthy.  He forgave those who had betrayed his trust and was a mentor to many on how to live peacefully with all.  His charm and appreciation for women was a notable trait.  He loved his nurses from Hospice and always had a sparkle in his eye when they showed up and a hug when they left.

Ray’s desire to live was so strong. However, he waited too long to seek medical care for what turned out to be late stage Colo-rectal cancer. He was diagnosed 5 years ago and went through radiation, chemo and surgery.  Still he fought through it all, adapted to his new way of life and was determined to live many more years.  Ray would like for us to tell you that you need to take care of yourself, see a medical provider regularly and do the recommended follow-up care.  You have to care for yourself to be able to care for others.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Carrie Ann Clapp; brothers, David A. Walker (Cindy), Harry E. Clapp; sisters, Bonnie W. Land (Charles), Mary Clapp Godwin (Earl); brother-in-law, Eric White; cousin and “brother-in-heart”, Gary Clapp; nephews, Johnny Walker, Brandon Flynn (Amanda), Chad Clapp (Deanna), Correy Clapp; nieces, Angel Cummings (Chris), Jessica Clapp; great nephews and nieces, Skylar, Justin and Adam Walker, Alexis and Austyn Etchison, Danny Ardila, Adiken and Bryleigh Flynn, Marrisa Millikin, Mason Cummings and Colton and Abigail Clapp.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Laurie; a son, Christopher Clapp; a brother, Kevin Clapp and a nephew, Shane Davis.

Ray’s family would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to Ray’s care team; Eric White, Gary Clapp, Eric Currie, Beth Hall, Tommy Sharpe, Jamie French and Barry Lucas.

A private service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at a later date by Rev. J.D. Weed of First Baptist Church Gibsonville.

In lieu of Flowers the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Alamance (AuthoraCare), 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 and the First Baptist Church of Gibsonville, 221 Piedmont Ave., Gibsonville, NC 27249.