Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

July 28, 1942 - March 27, 2023

Robert Glenn Ray, known by many as "Bob Ray," passed away on Monday, March 27, 2023, at the age of 80.

He was born July 28, 1942, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Alfred Lay and Louise (Lay) Ray and grew up in Lawrenceburg, graduating from Lawrence County High. After high school he enlisted with the United States Navy, proudly serving 3 years in Vietnam. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he lived in Hohenwald and married Mary Francis Ray. At the time of her passing they had been married 50 years.

A machinist by trade, he began his career with American Built Right and continued with two other companies, DANA Corporation and Eaton Corporation, retiring upon the closure of the plant in Hohenwald. He also co-owned a filling station in Hohenwald, working as a mechanic.

He was a jack of all trades. He loved to fish and garden, was a big Tennessee Vols fan, and loved playing golf. He was a member of the Kimmins Church of Christ and loved his family there. He was a proud veteran and member of the local American Legion. He attended the funeral service of every veteran that he could.

He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, and their extended families, his church family at Kimmins, and very special friends, Wayne Brewer and Jim and Phyllis Lawson.

He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his wife, Mary Francis Ray, brothers Jerry and Terry Ray, sister Jane Dye, and very special friend Ronnie James.

Visitation for Mr. Ray was held on Saturday, April 1 until funeral service time at 1:00 p.m. Burial and Military Honors followed in the Lewis County Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to one of the following charities/organizations that were special to Mr. Bob Ray: Lewis County local Veteran Hall, St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, Lewis County Library Building Fund, or a charity of your choice.