Austen Glen Ray, age 29 of Clifton TN passed away on, July 17,2024, in Columbia, TN, surrounded by family. He was born in Colorado Springs, CO, the son of Jeffery Glen Ray and the late Sandra “Sandy” Kaye Bowman Ray.
Austen’s life was filled with a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. He worked as a towboater on the river, finding purpose in his work on the water. Beyond his professional endeavors, Austen found joy in simple pleasures – hunting, fishing, riding backroads, playing with the dogs, and embracing the great outdoors. Austen’s spirit was that of a true country boy; he thrived in the tranquility of nature and found peace along the banks of the Tennessee and Mississippi River.
To those who knew him well, Austen’s signature sign-off “Love you, dude” was a heartfelt expression that encapsulated his genuine affection for those around him. His laughter and love for life will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.
He is survived by daughter, Braylee Kaye Ray of Clifton, TN; father, Jeffery Glen Ray (Elsie) of Clifton, TN; brother, Christopher Burney (Laci) of Paragould, AR; sisters, Heather Ray Crowe (Clifford), Ashley Ray, and Hannah Ray, all of Clifton, TN; grandmother, Evelene Bowman of Paragould, AR; niece, Sandra Crowe; nephews, Sammy Ray, Braxton Kilgore, Aydin Burney, Lucas Crowe, Wyatt Burney, and Grayson Burney; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
In addition to his mother, Austen is preceded in death by his grandparents, Donny Ray and Peggy McDonald, Paul Bowman, Marion Davis and Audie Ampey, and Edward and Aleatha Bowman.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm and Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm service time at the Frank Hughes High School gymnasium.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Frank Hughes High School gymnasium with Tracey Love and Robert Layne officiating. Burial will follow in the Prater’s Chapel Cemetery in Clifton, TN with Shackelford Funeral Directors assisting the family.
Pallbearers will be Sammy Ray, Chris Burney, Clifford Crowe, Stephen Pevahouse, Michael Goodman, and Danny Goodman.
Honorary pallbearers will be Braxton Kilgore, Lucas Crowe, Aydin Burney, Wyatt Burney, and Grayson Burney.
