Ray Phillip Sullivan | Eastern NC Now

    Mr. Ray Phillip Sullivan, age 88, a resident of Washington, NC, passed away on Friday November 6, 2026 at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, with his daughter and son at his bedside.

    Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday November 10, 2026 in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington, conducted by Rev. Gillian Pollock. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

    The following will serve as pallbearers: Ronnie Beachum, Eric Cox, Braxton O'Neal, Greg Singleton, Greg Taylor, and Tim Waters, all former employees (some also family) and customers, who are now the dearest friends.

    The family will receive friends at the home of his daughter at 206 Thomas Place in Smallwood.

    Mr. Sullivan was born in Beaufort County on June 9, 1938, to the late Rayfield Theodore and Hilda Waters Sullivan. He was a 1956 graduate of Bath High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He was well known for his baseball talents. Stories of his strength as a batter and his ability to play first base, as well as pitch, followed him through life. He attended professional baseball training camp and was offered a spot on a team roster. On July 30, 1960 he married Dora Elizabeth Sawyer, who preceded him in death on March 27, 2023. Mr. Sullivan served in the United States Army Select Reserve stationed in Fort Jackson, SC in 1961, and the Army Reserve until he was honorable discharged in 1967.He worked for Sawyer Auto Parts, alongside his wife, for more than 50 years, until his recent retirement. He was well known for his knowledge of auto parts and all things related. He took great pride in serving his customers and considered many of them friends. He also served the city of Washington as a volunteer EMT for many years. Later in life he learned the sport of tennis and played competitively for many years. He was on the Washington Racquet Club Senior team that won a national title in 1997. He was a member of Masonic Orr lodge 104 in Washington, NC. Mr. Sullivan was a member of First Christian Church where he served as a deacon, elder and Sunday School teacher over the years. His faith was something he did not hesitate to share with others. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, traveling, watching sports events, listening to music, and spending time with his family.

    Surviving is a daughter, Lisa Sullivan Wilkins and her husband, Jay; son, Michael Ray Sullivan; sister, Sybil Sullivan Leary and her husband Curtis of Cary, NC; sister, Anna Ruth Sullivan Cox and her husband Wayne; Sister-in-law, Frances Sawyer Coomer and her husband Larry of Summerville, SC, sister-in-law, Linda Sullivan; brother-in-law, Sherald Winslow Sawyer, Jr. and his wife Nancy of New Bern, NC; grandchildren, Connor McKinley Wilkins, Elisabeth Wilkins Everette and her husband Logan, Brooke Elisabeth Sullivan, Breanna Lynn Sullivan, and Blakelyn Shea Sullivan; and many nieces and nephews.

    Besides his parents and wife, Mr. Sullivan is also predeceased by his brothers, William Earl Sullivan, Leonard Holmes Sullivan, and George Edward Sullivan.

    The family would like to thank ECU Health Beaufort and its medical providers as well as Liberty Hospice. They served Mr. Sullivan and his family with professionalism and compassion.

    Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions can be made to the Masonic Home for Children 600 College Street, Oxford, NC 27565 or to First Chirstian Church, 307 East Third Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Sullivan family.