Fentress R. Hassell, Jr. 
June 7, 1948 – October 30, 2026

Fentress Ray Hassell, Jr. of Riverneck Road, Columbia, died October 30, 2026, at the age of 78. Ray was born to Fentress and Thelma Hassell on June 7, 1948. He was the baby of the family, the only son, and spoiled by his loving mother. After high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corp during the height of the Vietnam War. He graduated boot camp at Paris Island and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California before his discharge. After his service in the military, Ray returned to his hometown of Columbia and operated several businesses, including Columbia Garage, G & H Logging and Splash Fiberglass. He helped the Royal Ambassadors program get its start at Columbia Missionary Baptist Church in the 1980s. Ray was the father of three girls, Ginger, Windy, and Melissa. He raised his children to love God and family. His family visited with each other most Sunday afternoons at his parents’ house, which helped contribute to fun filled memories and a strong bond between his children and their family. He married Diana Umphlett Garrett on April 10, 1992, and became a father to three boys, Timmy, Chris, and Jason. He had always wanted a son and loved to share his talents and work skills with his boys. He was a faithful member of Faith Baptist Church.

Ray was a proud and patriotic American who deeply loved his country and cherished the time he spent with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always seemed to have a joke, a funny story, or something witty to share that brought smiles and laughter to those around him. Above all, Ray’s faith in Jesus Christ was at the center of his life. He held firmly to his belief in Christ and the promise of eternal salvation, which brought him comfort, strength, and hope.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Fentress and Thelma Hassell, and his sister, Lillie Mae Hassell. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 34 years, Diana Hassell, his sisters, Gladys Harrison and Louise Page, his brother, Monty Hassell, and his children, Ginger Vervisch, Windy Rose, Melissa Cooper, Timothy Garrett, Christopher Garrett and Jason Garrett. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kayla Brooke Johnson, Hallie Rose, Abigail Rose, Christine Cooper, Charlie Cooper, II, Caroline Cooper, Alexis Garrett, Landon Garrett, Addison Garrett, Bryson Garrett, Carson Garrett, Caleb Garrett, Elizabeth Andress, Brianna Rollinson, Madison Williams, Kathryn Garrett, and his five great-grandchildren, Tate, Jase, Lane, Lawson, and Oakleigh.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Faith Baptist Church with Joshua Sykes officiating. Burial will follow in the Soundside Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Friends may visit the family in the church sanctuary on Tuesday November 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.