MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Family, friends, and community members gathered alongside hundreds of firefighters at Beach Church today to show their respects for fallen Conway fireman and Horry County volunteer Chris Ray.
Firefighters, police and other first responders filled the church as those who were close to Ray did their best to honor his memory. Conway Fire Chief Phillip Hendrick, Jr. spoke at the service, remembering Ray’s love and dedication to both his city and his department.
“His perspective on life was different than mine and he held us together in the darkest of times,” said Hendrick.
Even now as those darkest of times seemed to have fallen upon them, Hendrick said he believes his firefighter family will endure.
“We are a band of brothers and sisters with a bond that’s indescribable,” he said. “This is a storm we did not want, but we’ll make it through because we are a family.”
It is a bond that stretches far and wide, well outside Horry County. Firefighters from as far as New Jersey and New York were on hand to show their support.
Bagpipes played as Conway firefighters carried Ray’s flag-draped casket out of the church. Fellow firefighters signaled a tearful salute as Ray was prepared for his final journey home to Green Sea. A procession of firetrucks, police, and other emergency vehicles followed each other down George Bishop Parkway.
Ray was buried at Bluffkin Cemetery in Green Sea surrounded by those who knew and loved him. A final call over the radio echoed the sentiments of his brothers and sisters on hand at his graveside.
“Godspeed, rest in peace brother. We’ll take it from here.”
Christopher Ray was killed in an on-scene accident on Sunday March 20th. He was the first Conway firefighter to die in the line of duty.
Ray is survived by his wife and two children, ages 16 and 4. CLICK HERE to donate to Fallen Firefighter Christopher Ray’s GoFundMe page.
