Raymond Kent (Ray) Bennington, 81, of 600 W. Main Street, Covington, Virginia, died Friday, May 16, 2014 at his residence.

Ray was born October 24, 1932 in Nelson County, a son of the late Raymond S. and Myrtle Kent Bennington.

Mr. Bennington served with the United States Army during the Korean War.

He was the manager for Covington Tire from 1969 until his retirement in 2000.

Ray was a former Covington City Councilman and had served on the Covington School Board.

He was an avid bowler.

He was a member of Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church, where was a lay leader.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Ruth Jean Kent Bennington of Covington; one son and daughterÐinÐlaw, Tim and Barbara Bennington of Covington; two daughters and sons-inÐlaw, Pam and Bob McCormack of Covington, and Kathy and Jody Byers of Staunton; three grandchildren, Ryan McCormack and his wife, Sarah of Roanoke; Megan McCormack and fiance, James Rivero of Richmond and Hanna Jean Nester of Staunton; one great granddaughter, Addison McCormick of Roanoke; two sisters, Shirley Toms and her husband, Ronald of North Garden and Doris Toms of Glen Allen; several nieces and nephews, and special care givers, Angie Anderson; Sherry Fridley, Stephanie Hicks, Jeannie Boguess, and Buffy Fagg.

The funeral service will be held 4:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2014 in Grandbery Memorial United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Smith officiating, assisted by the Rev. Gary Marshall.

Following the service, the family will receive their friends at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to Mountain Regional Hospice, P. O. Box 637, Clifton Forge VA, 24422.

The Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.