News Summary
Ray Lathan, a cherished member of the Greenville community, passed away. His legacy is defined by commitment to family, faith, and dedicated service.
Greenville, SC – Tribute to Ray Lathan: A Life of Service, Faith, and Family
Ray Lathan, a respected member of the Greenville community, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy characterized by service, faith, and a deep commitment to family. He was born to Myrtle Marie and Robert Fred Lathan and was married to Doris McKinney Lathan, who predeceased him. Ray also experienced the profound loss of his son, Robert McKinney Lathan, and siblings Orion, Bob, Ralph Lathan, and Cleo Lathan Boller. He is survived by his loving spouse, Debbie Dickson, and her two sons, Brent and Bradley Smith, along with his daughters Jennifer Lathan King and Julianne Lathan, and grandsons Rich King III and Griffin King.
A Distinguished Career and Education
Ray Lathan’s academic achievements began at the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in 1963. Shortly thereafter, he married Doris McKinney. His commitment to service continued as he joined the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain before completing his service in 1967. In 1970, Ray graduated magna cum laude from the USC School of Law and began practicing law in Greenville County. His contributions to the legal community were significant; he served as Secretary of the Greenville County Bar Association in 1971 and was appointed to the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education by Governor Carroll Campbell, serving from 1982 to 1984.
Faith and Community Involvement
Ray was an active member of Taylors First Baptist Church, where he displayed his devotion through leadership roles, including serving as a deacon. He dedicated eight years teaching a Young Married Couples Sunday School class, reflecting his commitment to fostering community ties and nurturing faith among others. His involvement in the church underscored his strong belief in service to others and his deep-rooted values.
A Passion for Golf
Beyond his professional and community commitments, Ray was also a passionate golfer. He was a longstanding member of the Thornblade Club and took pride in playing hundreds of golf courses throughout his life. Golf was more than just a pastime for Ray; it was an avenue for building friendships and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
Memorial Services
In honor of Ray Lathan’s remarkable life, services are scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn in Greenville, SC. The visitation will commence at 6:00 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 7:30 PM in the funeral home chapel. Family and friends are encouraged to come together during this time to celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, unwavering service, and integrity.
A Lasting Legacy
Ray Lathan’s contributions to his family, community, and faith will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His enduring legacy of love and service continues to inspire many, and he will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the community he cherished.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Ray Lathan
- Star News Online: McGowan-Lathan
- Wikipedia: United States Air Force
- Google Search: Greenville SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Church
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
