Candi Rae Murray James, age 44, of Demorest, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on May 20, 1982, Candi was a daughter of Sandy Webb Murray of Demorest, Georgia, and the late Dale Michael Murray.

Candi was truly a bright light in the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She possessed an extraordinary kindness and a heart filled with love and compassion for others. Her beautiful smile could brighten any room, and her laughter was contagious. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed, accepted, and loved simply by being herself.

Candi saw the good in everybody. She never met a stranger, could strike up a conversation with anyone, and had a genuine interest in the people around her. She loved wholeheartedly and stood fiercely beside the people she cared about. If you needed someone in your corner, Candi was there—your loyal friend, your encourager, and your “ride or die” when you needed backup. Her friendship was genuine, her loyalty unwavering, and her heart was always open.

Above all, Candi’s greatest treasures were her children, Haygen Grace and Handley Rae. The love she carried for them was immeasurable, and they will forever carry a part of their mother with them—the warmth of her smile, the sound of her laughter, her strength, and the tremendous love she gave so freely.

Though Candi’s earthly journey ended far too soon, the love she shared during her 44 years will continue to live on through her children, her family, her friends, and the countless lives she touched along the way. She will be remembered for the way she loved without hesitation, laughed with her whole heart, found the good in others, and made life a little brighter simply by being in it.

In addition to her father, Candi was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joann & Duncan Taylor; maternal grandfather, Barney Webb; and aunt, Donna Marie Lewallen.

Survivors include her beloved children, Haygen Grace James & Handley Rae James; father of her children, Chris James; mother, Sandy Webb Murray; sisters & brothers-in-law, Mandy Leah Green & Clay Cantrell and Kady Jo & T.J. Burgess; maternal grandmother, Gladys Webb; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of friends who loved Candi dearly and will forever cherish her memory.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. Chad Parham, Jill Hayes, & Kasey McEntire officiating. Interment will follow in the Hollywood Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026 and again from 12:00 p.m. until the service hour on Monday, August 17, 2026.

An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Candi Rae Murray James.