Rayford Deerman

Ray Deerman, 81, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2015. Born in Dutton, Ala., he was the son of Quiller and Berneice Deerman. He also was preceded in death by his grandson, D. Keith Jones, and former wife, Sandra Deerman. Ray graduated from Sylvania High School in Sylvania, Ala., where he played football and basketball. He loved cars and always wanted to open his own business. While starting his family and often having two jobs, Ray worked in a factory, the city of Chattanooga and his cousin's dealership until he saved enough money to open Ray's Auto Sales in Chattanooga, in the early 1960s. Even after running the business for several decades, he never fully retired, working for numerous local dealerships in his twilight years. Ray loved just about all sports, and for 25 years, he coached ladies softball in a local and traveling recreation league. Ray also spent 15 years as a local stock car driver on racetracks in Eastern Tennessee. Ray was a huge fan of NASCAR, the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs. He spent a lot of time boating, enjoying his time on the water. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his daughters, Connie Deerman-Eckard and husband Neal, of West Lafayette, Ind., and Jerolyn Deerman Newton and husband Patrick, of Cary, N.C.; brother, Gary Deerman, of Mississippi; longtime companion, Kathy Shugart, of Chattanooga; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many good friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Ron Gregory for the countless hours he devoted to helping Ray though his illness over the recentmonths. The family is also very appreciative for the personal care that Ray was given by the doctors and staff at Kindred, Parkridge and Siskin hospitals. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. today at the funeral home chapel with Pastor Mike Sims officiating. Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences and view memorial tribute and funeral webcast. The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. today, at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.