Ray Talton, CPS of Raleigh, NC breathed his last breath of life, closed his eyes in death and passed to his heavenly eternal home on October 18, 2024. Ray was born on March 5, 1949, and adopted as an infant by Raymond and Beuna Talton. He enjoyed growing up in Raleigh with weekend trips to Smithfield and Johnston County. As a youth he was involved in cub and boy scouts, church activities and started a life long passion for traveling when at age 10 he journeyed to Switzerland for a summer camp. Ray attended high school at Georgia Military Academy, now Woodward Academy near Atlanta, GA and was in the only class to receive two diplomas as the school changed names his year of graduation. After briefly attending college at Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, NC, Ray moved to Washington, D.C. and was employed by the FBI. It was there he met his future wife Jenny, before moving back to Raleigh to start his own company. As the business prospered Ray and Jenny saw two sons born – Justin and Joshua.

After years of studying locks, safes and alarms, Ray turned a hobby into a life long career in the security business, founding Talton's Security Systems in 1970. He traveled the east coast buying safes and bringing them into the Raleigh area. He joined the North Carolina Locksmith Association and served as its President on three separate occasions. He hosted "Penetration" Safe Opening seminars at his business warehouse on 401 South in Raleigh. Ray joined the Safe and Vault Technicians Association and was an instructor at international conventions. He became a CPS - Certified Professional Safe Technician - a "Safecracker", and was acknowledged as an expert on safes by the Superior Court of North Carolina. Ray was an avid collector of anything related to his profession. His collection consisted of cast iron safe banks, handcuffs, time locks, antique Warner Safe bottles, any type of lock, antique safes from the 1800's to modern day high security works of art. Ray showcased most of his collection at the Talton's Antique Lock & Safe Museum located inside the business showroom. He wrote articles on collecting for the Safe and Vault Technicians trade magazine. He was always ready to share his knowledge and devotion to others in the safe industry. Ray had an exceptionally strong work ethic and served his community well.

Ray loved to travel. He became a PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors – certified scuba diver and spent lots of vacation time in the Bahamas. Safe buying trips and yearly excursions allowed him see most of the United States, parts of Canada and Mexico. Ray loved reading and the knowledge it brought, whether industry related or an exciting fiction story. And he always had a good book in hand while resting in Raleigh.

His faith was always important to him from early youth to adulthood, which was demonstrated by his devotion and dedication to involvement in church activities. He recently served as a deacon and a member of the choir at Triangle Baptist Church. Music played a large part of his life. His favorites included folk, religious and piano instrumental music which were a calming presence for him. From weekly dinners with friends, to holidays and birthdays with his family, Ray cherished laughing and sharing quality time with the people he loved. His beloved dogs Shadow and Pepper were a source of daily joy. Ray's favorite things were working, eating and traveling. Ray was truly convinced that if there
was a need for something that he could provide and if he felt God was asking him to provide it, then he should do it. "Help other people get what they need" was his legacy.

Ray was proceeded in death by his parents, and Jenny, his wife of 49 years. Ray leaves behind his son Justin Talton, wife Dawn, grandchildren Cody and Abby of Boone NC, and son Joshua Talton, wife Patricia, grandchildren Savannah, Addison and Carolina of Raleigh NC.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Children's Home Society of NC, PO Box 14608,  Greensboro, NC 27405 or Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.