SFC ay

Ray, SFC (R) Gary Kenneth, age 47 of Franklin, TN went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2013. He was born in Decatur, IL to Ken Ray and Carole Ray. Gary graduated from St. Teresa High School in Decatur, IL. He enlisted in the United States Army just after graduation. He served in numerous campaigns for 21 years including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was most proud of his accomplishments while serving as Crew Chief on a Blackhawk and then as Station Commander in the US Army Recruiting Command. After honorably retiring in March, 2010, he used his military expertise to motivate young people to become better citizens in the Army JROTC program at Fred J. Page High School, Franklin, TN. Within his duties as a JROTC Instructor, he coached the Award Winning "Patriot Battalion" Air Rifle Team. During his military service he received the following awards: The Bronze Star Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Two Campaign Stars, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal Second Award, Army Achievement Medal Sixth Award, Arm Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Fifth Award, National Defense Service Medal Second Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, US Army Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Stars, Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge, Parachutist Badge , Air Assault Badge, Expeditionary Medal. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time being in the outdoors. He was a man of honor and duty who loved his wife, family and country. SFC (R) Gary Ray is survived by: wife, Kimberly Newsom Ray; daughters Rachael Danielle Ray and Sarah Elizabeth Ray; mother- Carole Nuxoll Ray of Effingham Ill; father -Kenneth Ray of Decatur Ill and his wife Linda; sisters- Laura Ray Kelly and her husband, John, of Peoria Ill; Dawn White and her husband, Kyle, of Tulsa, OK; Carrie Mathias and her husband, Jim, of Illinois City, Ill; Neely Bullington and her husband, Kevin; his favorite mother-in-law, Lane Russell Newsom, plus multitudes of loving nieces, nephews, former students and Military Service Members with whom he served. Visitation will be on Friday (6/21) from 4-6:30 pm. Memorial Service will be Saturday (6/22) at 10:00 am. Both will be at Hillsboro Presbyterian Church 5820 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 665-0148 http://www.hpcnashville.org/. In lieu of flowers please donate, in honor of SFC (R.) Gary Kenneth Ray, to: Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org or via 1-855-448-3997. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES. 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com

Visitation Details

Friday, June 21st, 2013 4:00pm - 6:30pm, Hillsboro Presbyterian Church

Service Information

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 10:00am, Hillsboro Presbyterian Church

Interment Details

St. Isidore Catholic Church Cemetery