Charles Ray's Obituary
IN LOVING MEMORY CHARLES LINDSEY RAY November 4, 1941 – February 3, 2016 Charles Lindsey Ray was born November 4, 1941, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Lindsey C.W. Ray and Katie Francis Ray. He passed away February 3, 2016, at his home in Germantown, Tennessee surrounded by his loved ones. Charles graduated from Treadwell high school in Memphis, Tennessee. Charles was employed at Carrier Corporation in Collierville, then at Kirby high school for six years and then at Evangelical Christian School giving twenty-five years of service from 1986 to 2011 where he was known by his colleagues as the consummate servant, leader, for his knack at solving problems, and for his tireless energy and persistence in getting things accomplished. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, and friend to all that knew him. His family and friends are forever grateful for his life and his presence in theirs. Charles enjoyed the simpler things in life. He loved working with his hands. He loved spending time outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and working in the yard. He especially enjoyed woodworking by which he was known for his bird houses and toy trains. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved football and the Tennessee Vols. He loved ice cream. He loved any occasion that allowed him to wear a suit. He loved singing and listening to Bill Gaither sing old hymns. Charles was a man of few words, but he spoke loudly through the places his feet took and him and things to which he put his hands. His family will be forever grateful for his quiet example and how he lived his life. Charles is survived by his wife Mary Jane Ray, his daughters Natalie Snipes (Tommy), Lisa Bennard (William), and Julie Davis (Scott), and his sons Charles “Chuck” Lindsey Ray, Jr. (Shannon) and Bradford Coleman Ray (Jennifer). Charles also leaves behind his granddaughters Kimberly Smallwood (Derick), Brooke Byrd (Dallas), Katie Davis, and grandsons, John David Pinner (Jessica), James Thomas Snipes, Donald Firmin, Jr. (Casey), Phillip Ray (Kourtney), Peyton Ray, Bradford Ray II, Major Ray, Luke Davis and Garrett Davis. Charles also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Lucy Woods (Vaughn) and Betty Jean Ray Terrance (Frank). The family will receive friends Monday, February 8, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Services will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation and services will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery in Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
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