Kenneth Wayne Ray, 72, of Watauga, died Wednesday, August 15, 2018, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. He was a native of Johnson City and a son of the late Robert and Bertha Loudy Ray.
Kenneth was a retired truck driver. He had worked for Summers-Taylor and had also been a Volunteer Fireman for the Watauga VFD for over 18 years. He was also a Watauga Commissioner and Mayor from 1995 to 2008.
Kenneth was a member of New Hope Church of Christ.
One of his great pleasures was attending the races.
In addition to his parents, his wife of 50 years, Barbara Dunlap Ray; a brother, Howard Loudy; and a sister, Marylee Johnson, had all preceded him in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Teresa Hyatt and her husband Jackie; a son, Kenneth Stephen Ray and his wife Kimberly; six grandchildren, Barbara Carr and her husband David, Christina Hyatt and her fiancé Timmy Stanton, Andi Stines and her husband Danny, Alex Ray, Alyssa Ray and Aaron Ray; three great-granchildren, Chloe, Haley and James Stines; a sister, Maxine Poarch; a brother, James Ray; many nieces, nephews and cousins and special friends of Watauga Volunteer Fire Department, City of Watauga and his church family.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, August 18, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. in the Dogwood Chapel under the direction of Mr. Paul Peer. A committal service will be held at Monte Vista Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 19. Active pallbearers will be Richard Hyatt, Dusty Constable and active members of the Watauga Volunteer Fire Department. Friends may call at other times at the home of his daughter, Teresa Hyatt, 328 Fourth Avenue, Watauga, TN 37694. Memories and condolences may be shared via www.morrisbaker.com.
Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-1521, is serving the Ray family.