Sam Davis Ray

January 26, 1948 - April 26, 2020

Sam Davis Ray was born January 26, 1948, in Culleoka, TN to the late Anniversary Ray and Anna L. Ray. He was preceded in death by one son, Anthony Lavon Ray; one daughter, Tina Laverne Woodard; and one brother, Dennis Ray. His formal education was in the Maury and Williamson County school systems. He was a devoted member of Fort Cooper Church of Christ. Sam was known as “Red” to many of his friends. He was a well-respected mechanic, he had a beautiful smile and an outgoing personality. He never encountered a person he didn’t talk with, like he had known them for a while. Sam was a talker. He could talk for hours on many topics, whether it be religion, politics, nature, and just about life in general. He loved working on cars, motorcycles, lawnmowers, skill saws, and just about anything that had a motor. He also loved yard work and being outside. He loved fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle. He loved his family deeply, often talking about his childhood. He loved his wife and his children. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of thirty-five years, Shirley Ray; sons, Sam D. Ray Jr., Michael Ray, Valery Ray, Stacy (Nika) Ray, Clarissa (Cory) Woodard, Eddie Gregory (Stephnie) Woodard, Eric (Charlene) Ray, Nicholas Ray, Orlando (Heather) Ray; siblings, Willie Edward Ray, Mary (Lewis) Booker, Johnny (Charles) Booker, John (Arlean) Ray; brother-in-laws, Robert (Phyllis) Mitchell, Harold Mitchell, Timothy Mitchell; sisters-in-laws, Priscilla Marlow, Florine (Norma) Roberts, Linda Mitchell, Brenda Mitchell, Yolonda Mitchell; aunts, Lottie Green, Alma Anderson, Emma Joe (Joe Frank) Armstrong; thirty-two grandchildren; devoted grandson, Daniel Woodard; devoted granddaughters, Brittany “Spud” Anthony and Jaida “Chocolate” Anthony; a great-granddaughter he loved unconditionally and she felt the same way about him, Madison Devonna Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Special devoted friends include Frankie Ward, Tommy Tidwell, Calvin Loafton, James and Mary Smith, Oscar Lee Warfield, Norman Roberts, Gard Mutize, Carl Grimes, Clifford Hardison, Cory Fletcher, Leonard and Huey Modena. Special thanks to Avalon Hospice. Sincere thanks to these special caregivers: Sam Ray Jr., Clarissa Woodard, and Eddie Woodard.