Kenneth Ray, age 61, of Smithville passed away Wednesday morning, November 29, 2023 at his residence.

Mr. Ray was a Member and a Deacon of New Union The Baptist Church, a Mason, and was retired from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

He was born July 17, 1962, to his parents the late Clayton and Hazel Sanders Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three infant sons, Cody, Sammy, and Mitchell Ray; sister, Doris Coley; nephew, B. J. Davis; niece, Cindy Armour; father and mother-in-law, Billy and Betty Malone; sister-in-law, Donna Willoughby.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Ray of Smithville; two sons, Johnny and Joe Ray both of Smithville; grandson, Preston Ray; sister, Sandra (Doug) Davis of Smithville; brother-in-law, Wayne (Doris) Malone of Dowelltown; nephews, Jared (Kelli) Davis, Jacob (Dana) Davis, Jonathon (Rena) Willoughby, Jessie (Jennie) Willoughby, Andy (Heather) Malone, and John Armour; several great nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service was Friday, December 1, 2023, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bros. Martin Bell and Keith Sims officiating. Burial followed in New Union Cemetery

Pallbearers were Jared Davis, Jacob Davis, Jonathon Willoughby, Jessie Willoughby, Andy Malone, John Armour, and Wendell Bailiff. Honorary Pallbearers were Sheriff Patrick Ray and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of arrangements.

Smithville Review

(Smithville, Tenn.)

Dec. 6, 2023