Jimmy Ray Mabe

Jimmy Ray Mabe, 94, of Salem, Virginia, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 15, 2025. Born June 30, 1930, in Pulaski, Virginia, to the late Oscar Glenn and Jessie Rosemond Carnal Mabe, he was the last surviving sibling, having lost his four sisters and his brother. Jimmy is also predeceased by his loving wife of 43 years, Betty Cundiff Mabe; daughter-in-law, Brent Mabe and step-daughter, Peggy Preston Evans.Jimmy joined the United States Army after earning his high school diploma and proudly served his country during the Korean War. He cherished his memories of his comrades in arms and their time serving together in Austria, Germany and Fort Rucker. His time in the military greatly influenced how he lived out the rest of his life; he was a man of duty, diligence, order, schedule, and integrity. Jimmy kept an immaculate home and lawn, making sure both the indoor carpets and the yard outdoors had distinguished lines. He also took very good care of his cars, keeping them clean and well maintained. He was a self-proclaimed “Ford Man” and owned quite a few over the years. Jimmy was a loyal employee of General Electric for 38 years until his retirement and was a dedicated, faithful member of Fellowship Community Church, in Salem. Sunday afternoons, however, were race days and Jimmy was a huge Nascar fan, his favorite driver being Bill Elliott. A lifelong Redskins fan, he never quite got used to their name change, but cheered for them just the same. Jimmy and Betty enjoyed the fellowship of their square-dancing group. Jimmy loved spending time at the lake boating with his family. He was a doting granddad and loved spending time with his grandchildren. Jimmy was a devoted husband who adored his wife, Betty. Theirs was a beautiful love story of selfless, sacrificial devotion to one another. Jimmy was a perfect example of unconditional love; his care for Betty was remarkable. Jimmy is survived by his son, Stephen G. Mabe; daughter, Carol Batchelor and husband, Joel; stepsons, Mike Preston and his wife, Melissa, and David Preston and his wife, Kim; step son-in-law, Charlie Evans; grandchildren, Ashley Crisp and husband, Josh, Stacy Stanley and husband, Chris, Victoria Preston-Brown and husband, Austin and Jake Preston and wife, Victoria; as well as four great-grandchildren. The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Ken Nienke officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fellowship Community Church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.