Ray Pentecost

RINGGOLD — Edward “Ray” Raymond Pentecost Sr., 73, passed away Monday, March 19, 2018. A native of Nashville, Tenn., he has lived in the North Georgia area for the past 39 years and was of the Catholic faith. Ray worked in heavy construction and at age 18 he joined the U.S. Navy, and after getting out he stayed in the construction Industry. He was a member of the VFW post 1289 and American Legion Post 95 for 29 years. He started working with Utilities Construction in 1971 with W.L. Haliey Co. Then with Alman Construction Co. in 1979, Ray moved to Chattanooga as Superintendent, done several projects for the city, and also worked with Mayes Construction. Later he became Owner/Operator of R&M Trucking for 21 years and then retired in 2010. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Williams Pentecost; mother and stepfather, Frank and Mary Pentecost Wright; son, Edward Raymond Pentecost Jr.; daughter, Virginia Renee Wright; and cousin, Anita Clem. He is survived by daughter, Cathy (Ricky) Sensing, of Ringgold, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Rhonda Hannah, of Ringgold, Ga., and Angie (Darren) Kittle, of Ringgold, Ga.; stepson, Douglas Wade Dixon, of Madison, Tenn.; sister, Linda (Bob) Hinds, of Kelso, Tenn.; brother, Rusty Wright, of Kelso, Tenn.; eight grandchildren, Caley Sensing, Blake Crider, Garrett Crider, Cortney Thomas, Tyler Phillips, Josh Hannah, Toni Renee Wright, and Steven Wright; nine great-grandchildren; cousins, Derrell (Emily) Clem, Cindy Howell and Tina Collins; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 2018, in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. until funeral time Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold, Ga. An online register book may be signed at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com.