George Ray Metts

George Ray Metts, age 92, husband of the late Dorothy “Dot” Buffington Metts, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Mr. Metts was born December 24, 1933, in Lexington County to the late Ray C. Metts and Lettie Mae Hancock Metts.

George Ray graduated from Saluda High School in the class of 1951. He was a member of the South Carolina National Guard for nine years and was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Metts served as an Assistant Boy Scout Master for Troop 31 in Saluda for eleven years. He retired from AT&T after 38 years of service.

Papa, as he was known to his family, loved his family and was always there for them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy. He also enjoyed taking care of the family land. Riding a tractor or a lawn mower was his happy place.

Surviving are his sons Kenneth R. Metts (Sharon) of Saluda, Rodney H. Metts (Sally) of Columbia, and Alan L. Metts (LeeAnn) of Saluda. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and their spouses: Brittney and Carlos Alvarez, Desirey and Noah Suniga, Morgan Metts, Rebecca and Cody Myers, Jane Metts, John and Hannah Metts, David and Mary Kate Metts, Lee and Mary Rose Metts, Ryan Metts, Catherine Metts, Micah and Brandon Corbin, and Paul and Ashton Metts. He was the proud great-grandfather of Austin Suniga, Sara Metts, Thomas Metts, Tatum Holder, Braylee-Rae Holder, Rory Metts, Ender Corbin, Noah Corbin, Elliot Corbin, and Annalee Metts. As well as a sister-in-law Glenda Metts and a brother-in-law Jim Morgan.

He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Dot Metts, two brothers, Winford Metts and Robert Metts, two sisters Mildred Perry and Mollie Morgan, a sister-in-law Eleanor Metts, and a brother-in-law James Perry.

A graveside service will be held at Trinity Church Cemetery on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Bill Sawyer and his staff for their loving care for Papa over the years. Also, they would like to thank Liz White for being so helpful and encouraging; and Self Regional Medical Center, Saluda Nursing & Rehab Center, and Lexington Medical Center for their excellent care. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Historic B-L Chapel is assisting the Metts family.

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