Ray Cecil Sr.

Chester Ray Cecil Sr., 85, loving father and grandfather, gained his Heavenly reward on Monday, March 3, 2014, at Parkridge Hospital. Born in Englewood, Tenn., he was a longtime resident of East Ridge. He was a faithful member of First Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder and was the church treasurer for many years. Ray served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Japan. He retired from Provident Life and Accident Insurance Co. in 1987 after 43 years of service. Ray was a lifetime supporter of UT athletics. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Alvin and Mary Small Cecil; and brothers, Hoyt and John Cecil. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara C. Cecil; their sons, Michael B. Cecil and Ray (Debbie) Cecil, all of East Ridge; granddaughter, Amber C. York; great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Rae York, both of Cumming, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at the funeral home with Rev. Mark McCrory officiating. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Edwin Lehman, Paul Wilson and Ralph Winston. The family would like to thank neighbors Betty and Ralph Winston and Frank Ensley for their support and kindness, as well as the doctors and nurses of Parkridge Hospital for their care during Dads short illness. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 404 S. Moore Road. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.