Ray Hannah

Ray Hannah, 75, died on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. Surrounded by his family, Ray concluded his full life with a peaceful and dignified death. He faced his many health challenges, including his final illness, with bravery and grace, and his humor, wit, and mischievous nature never left him. Ray was born on June 16, 1938 in Friendsville, Tenn., to Frank Hannah and Grace Wilkinson Hannah. Ray graduated from Maryville College in 1960 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry and, in 1966, earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Auburn University. While studying at Auburn, Ray met and married his wife of 51 years, Sadie Jean Beaird Hannah. After graduation, Ray embarked upon a career as a research chemist with E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. At DuPont, he worked in research and development and served as group manager and technical manager in the Industrial Fibers and Carbon Fiber Divisions.His work with DuPont spanned 34 years, from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. Immediately thereafter, Ray became global technology director for DuPont Sabanci (DUSA) International. At both DuPont and DUSA, Ray served as a mentor to many, and he was admired and appreciated by his colleagues. Ray retired from DUSA at the end of 2003, and thereafter focused primarily on his family, with particular emphasis on grandfathering, growing and gifting vegetables, cheering for the Auburn Tigers, and pursuing his passion and favorite pastime, fishing. Ray is survived by his wife, Sadie; his daughter, Jenny Ellen Hannah; his son, William Ray "Bill" Hannah and wife, Lisa Marie Holland Hannah; his sister, Judy Ann Hannah Miller and husband, Murphy Davis "Dave" Miller; and his three grandchildren, Nathaniel Ray Hannah, Nicholas Holland Hannah and Madelynn Grace Hannah. Ray and his family express their thankfulness and gratitude to all of the physicians, nurses, caregivers, and friends who provided treatment, care, support and comfort. Visitation will be held at St. Peters Episcopal Church, where Ray was a member, from noon until 2 p.m. today, Nov. 27, 2013. A funeral service will be held at the church immediately thereafter. A graveside service at Hamilton Memorial Gardens will follow. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made in Rays name to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research at www.michaeljfox.org, or St. Peters Episcopal Church, 848 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com. Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.