E.L. Ray

Mr. E.L. Ray. 79, of Resaca, Georgia, died Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton.

Mr. Ray was born in Benton, Tennessee on November 26, 1943, the son of the late William “Bill” Ray and Lucy Coggins Ray. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara (William) Anderson, Billy Ray, Charles Ray, Betty (Floyd) Holden, Jennette Faulkner, Linda Rutledge, and Carol Cartwright; brothers-in-law, Kerry Griggs and  June Taylor.

He was a member of Bethesda Baptist Church, was an archer and a former member of the New Echota War Hawks, an avid outdoors-man where he enjoyed golf, fishing and deer hunting. He was employed by Fafnir Bearing for 19 years and prior to retirement he was employed by Georgia Machine as a conventional machinist.

Survivors include his loving wife, Margaret “Ann” Mashburn Ray to whom he was married for 57 years; daughter and son in law, Donna (Jimmie) Walker; son and daughter in law, Keith (Tamera) Ray; grandchildren, Josh Brookshire, Maison Ray, Kaleb Ray, Bryce Walker, Cade Walker; sister, Marie Taylor; brother, Jimmy (Marty) Ray; sisters-in-law, Molly Ray and Joyce Griggs and brother-in-law, Kenny Faulkner. A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

A service to celebrate the life of E.L. Ray will be held Sunday, February 26th at 4:00 PM at Bethesda Baptist Church with Pastor, Wesley Hunt officiating. Music will be arranged by Aaron Petty. Interment will follow in Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving will include Josh Brookshire, Maison Ray, Kaleb Ray, Bryce Walker, Cade Walker and Mike Canales. Honorary pallbearers will consist of members of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class of Bethesda Baptist Church.

The Ray family will receive friends on Sunday, February 26th between the hours of 1:30 PM until 4:00 PM at Bethesda Baptist Church, 146 Bethesda Church Road NE, Calhoun, Georgia 30701.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Mr. E.L. Ray.