BEAVER DAM, Ky. — Riley C. Ray passed from this life on Sept. 19, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on Feb. 28, 1936, in Lawrence County, Tennessee.
Riley worked as a meat cutter for Jacob Packing, Cooper & Martin, Tuckers Big Star, Pleasant View IGA, and Kemps Foodland. After retiring from the meat cutting industry, he worked 17 years for the Cheatham County Tennessee Sheriff’s Department. Riley and Carolyn also owned and operated Ray’s Market on Old Clarksville Pike for 10 years.
Riley was a member of the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ since 1967. He served as a Deacon for 25 years and was in charge of Building & Grounds for that time period.
Riley was an avid fisherman and woodworker.
Riley C. Ray married Janice Carolyn Martin on Dec. 21, 1957. They were married for 67 years when she passed away in 2024.
Riley was preceded in death by his parents, Belle & Jess Tripp; brothers, Leon Ray and Pete Ray; sisters, Peggy (Ralph) Balcom, Ellen (Lee) Henderson, and Gloria Dean Buie; as well as daughter-in-law, Nancy Moss Ray.
Riley is survived by a brother, Kenneth (Faye) Tripp; sister, Kathy (Billy) Sims; sons, Tim (Christie) Ray, Kenny (Karen) Ray, and Steve (Cheri) Ray; grandchildren, Tia (Garry) Brown, Nicholas (Brandi) Ray, Keely Ray, Brandon (Megan) Ray, Jarrett (Destinee) Ray, Chelsea Ray, Matt (Jenny) Blankenship, Cale Blankenship, Olivia Blankenship and Gavin Carroll; great-grandchildren, Xavier Kellum, Riddick Ray, Roxie Ray, Rosalee Ray, Sophia Ray, Brilee Ray, Dusty Rose Blankenship, and Navy Laine Carroll.
A celebration of life and luncheon will be held at Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ, 2699 Old Clarksville Pike, Ashland City TN 37015.
Service Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. and meal in the fellowship hall to follow.
Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Ray.
Online messages of condolence may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.