Nancy Ray

Nancy Lucille Jones Ray, 91, a lifelong resident of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013, in a nursing home in Chattanooga after a sustained period of declining health.Born June 22, 1921 to Hugh Ned Jones and Vassie Eason Jones in Henderson, Tenn., she graduated from Chester County High School in 1940 and later graduated from the West Tennessee Business College in Jackson, Tenn.She moved to Memphis and worked for The Army Depot in the personnel department. She met her late husband of 40 years, Dr. Thomas L. Ray, on a blind date.Left to cherish both their memories are their four children, Thomas E. Ray, of Chattanooga, Jann Ray Swartzendruber and her husband, Fred, of Roanoke, Va., Ronald Ray and his wife, Paula, of Alpharetta, Ga., Deborah Ray Bagley and her husband, James, of Springhill, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Additionally, she leaves behind four living siblings.Throughout her life, Nancy was a loving mother, a passionate gardener residing on the Fountain City Dogwood Trail, a member of the Knoxville Kennel Club, member at Fountain City United Methodist Church and also attended New Covenant Fellowship, and active for many years with her husband Tom in Knoxville and Oak Ridge square dance clubs. She will be remembered fondly for her generosity, precious smile, and loving touch.A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Fountain City Methodist Church Chapel at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2013.A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin, Tenn., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Hospice of Chattanooga or your favorite charity.Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga.