Ward Ray was born on October 16, 1943 in Bethel Springs, TN to the late Odis and Lessie Mae Causey Ray. The youngest of five children, he departed this life on June 16, 2018 at McNairy County Health Care Center in Selmer TN at the age of 74 years and 8 months.
He attended Rose Creek School and graduated from Selmer High School in 1961. He worked at Brown Shoe Company in the 1960s and General Electric in Selmer in the early 1970s. He was united in marriage to Vickie Essary on September 3, 1965. In 1973, he began his hog and farming operation, his passion and vocation until suffering a stroke in April 2007. He was a Deacon at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Bethel Springs TN and a member for over 50 years. In 1988, he was involved in the formation of Rose Creek Volunteer Fire Department. He served several terms as Fire Chief.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Vickie Essary Ray; two sons, Monty Lee Ray of Scotts Hill, TN and Jimmy W. Ray and wife Kim of Bethel Springs, TN; a daughter, Amy Ray Kelley and husband Jeff of Stantonville, TN; three grandchildren: Christopher Todd Ray, Lydia Abigail Kelley, and Luke David Kelley; a great grandson, Matthew Allen Ray; a brother, Clinnon Ray of Jackson, TN; two sisters, Lou Zena Ray Wilson and husband Douglas of Selmer, TN and Doris Ann Ray Wilson and husband Paul of Bethel Springs, TN. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, Miss Lavern Ray; and sister-in-law, Clara Ray.
The family includes special thanks to Denise Wood, Sheri Smith, Bro. Joe Loncar, and the entire staff of Legacy Hospice Care for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor to the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 6185 Rowsey School Rd., Bethel Springs, TN 38315.
