David Ray Sr.

David Henry Ray Sr., age 92, went to be with Lord on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at his home. He was the son of the late Mr. Jacob and Rachel Foster Ray. He was a faithful member of First Calvary Baptist Church until his health declined. He was a U.S. Army veteran where he earned the Purple Heart and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as the first African American supervisor of the mail carrier maintenance department. He also worked part time for the Knox County Sheriff during his employment with U.S.P.S. After retiring He then drove for Brinks the money truck as he called it.

He is proceeded in death by his wife, Deborah C. Ray,; Son, Michael Ray, daughter, Phyllis Greenwood and Granddaughter Katrina Greenwood. Brothers,  Jacob Ray Jr., James “Sonny” Ray, and Richard Ray,: Sisters, Jo Evelyn Liggett, Betty Poole, and Luella Kelley.

Survived by his children: Jeffery (Rosa) Ray, David ( Claudine) Ray Jr., Shelia (James) Meyers, Kevin Ray, David E. (Kimberly) Ray, Richard (Dorothy) Clark, Ricky Clark, Theresa A.(Raymond Jr.) Smith.

Step-children: Martines(Ashley) Smith, Edna Netherland.

Grandchildren: Camillya (Yotti) Wilson, Frank Wilson Jr., Cynthia Wilson, Alvin Mills Jr., Anya Foster, Trish Ray, Isaiah Ray, Niffatoria (Maurice) Lovemore, Lejuan Gordon, MeOna Mathis, Kaneshia (Mike) Chapman, Isaac Smith, Roman Netherland, Roland (Sabrina) Netherland, Ricco Netherland, Emily Smith, and Gilbert Smith (devoted live in care giver). Sister, Helen Greenlee.

And a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, and friends. Special Thanks to Amedisys Hospice.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 10:30-11:30 am at Jarigan and Son Mortuary 2823 Martin Luther King Jr Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914 with funeral service to follow at Jarigan and Son.

Interment to follow at 1:00 pm at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 5901 Lyons View Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.