Melvin Ray

Melvin Ray departed this life on October 17, 2008 in Bartlett, Tennessee at the age of 79 Years, 5 Months, 7 Days.He was born May 10, 1929 in McNairy County, Tennessee the son of the late Vernon and Beatrice Cox Ray. United in marriage to Clara Opal Howell on February 16, 1949, he was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Bartlett and a former member and deacon of Hebron Baptist Church. Mr. Ray was a farmer, truck driver, a heavy equipment operator and cross tie inspector. A native of McNairy County he grew up in Hardeman County and lived in Bartlett for 25 years. He also served in the Tennessee National Guard.He is survived by his wife Clara Opal (Howell) Ray of Memphis, TN; a son, Rick Ray of Bath Springs, TN; a daughter, Charlotte (Ray) Shephard of Eads, TN; four grandchildren, Richard Ray, Jessie Dewayne Ray, William Lewis Durham Jr., Joshua Keith Ray; and one great-grandchild Reanna Ray. In addition to his parents, Mr. Ray was preceded in death by a son, Melvin Roger Ray; a brother, James Ray; and a sister, Sue McKee.