Bethel Forrest

Bethel Forrest Ray, “Pappy Ray”, age 88, of Arrington, TN passed away on Nov. 11, 2012 at the Life Care Center Hickory Woods in Lavergne, TN. He was born in Sparta, TN in the Hampton Crossroads community on January 20, 1924 to William “W. S.” and Eliza Hampton Ray. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by son, Randall F. “Randy” Ray; brothers, Casto, Dan, Will, Hill, Dempse, & Erbie Ray; sisters, Alymria Graham, Mildred Malone, & Bonnie Nash. He attended White County High School where he played football and was nicknamed Dynamite Ray. He served his country proudly in WW II in the Army Air Corps flying in a B-24 as the tail gunner. He attended Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, TN. He retired from the Army National Guard with the rank of E-9, Command Sergeant Major after 34 years of full-time service. A Celebration of his Life will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 at 12 Noon at Woodbine Hickory Chapel with Dr. Jerry Smith & Bro. Reed Buntin officiating. He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Bonnie Ray; sons, Eddie Ray, Arrington, TN, James Ray (Mary Ann), Murfreesboro, TN; daughters, Brenda Ray Walker (Tommy), Ridgetop, TN & Sandra Ray Presley (Fred), Arrington, TN; sister Ruby Mackie, Cookeville, TN; 11 Grandchildren, Lisa (Rob) Frasier, Lori (Ben) Suggs, Melanie (Michael) Deaver, Emily Walker, Bo (Tina) Ray, Billy Ray, Ben (Courtney) Presley, Tim Presley, Mark Allen, Matt Ray, & Luke Ray; 27 great grandchildren. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012 from 3-8pm at the Woodbine Hickory Chapel Funeral Home and on Wed. 11-12Noon the time of the service. Final resting place will be at Triune Cemetery in Triune, TN with Bro. Ronnie Johnson officiating. Grandsons and great grandsons Bo Ray, Ben Presley, Tim Presley, Jimmy Ray, Justin & Josh Matthews, Zack, Matt, Cody & Billy Ray will serve as pallbearers. Great grandsons Jessie Ray, Titus & Revin Suggs & Jarrett Frasier will serve as honorary pallbearers . The family requests donations are made 'In Memory of Bethel Ray to his favorite ministry, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, C/O Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Highway 41 South, Greenbrier, TN 37073. Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel, Phone 615.643.4000

Bethel Forrest

January 20, 1924 - November 11, 2012