Raymond Oliver Talley

Ray Talley, 77, passed away on September 16, 2019, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee. He was born on July 9, 1942, in Rome, Georgia. He is survived by his wife Kaye, who has been his love and his guiding light for the last 25 years. He is also survived by his beloved sister Jane Arnold of Winchester, TN, children Oliver (Laurie) Talley of White House, TN, Clara (Steve Humbert) Talley of Memphis, TN, and stepdaughter, Annette (Taylor) May of Orlando, FL. He is survived by six cherished grandchildren ranging in age from 26 years to 1 month: Sara and Wade Humbert, Olivia and Lola Talley, and Wyatt and Bennett May. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Marion Talley, his stepson, Neal Hamner, and his sister, Ellen Bohannan.

Ray Talley made his living in nursing home administration and commercial real estate, but lived his life for Kaye and the rest of his family. He worked hard, did whatever needed to be done, and rarely complained, even when living with constant physical pain. Ray was a dedicated blood donor and a proud member of the Gallon Club. During retirement, he was a volunteer at St. Thomas Hospital.

A laconic man when it came to sharing his feelings, he best expressed his love with his willingness to share his time with those lucky enough to call him Granddaddy and Ray Ray. He didn’t like being on the phone for very long, but he always made a point of checking in on his family.

Ray was a man of rituals and routines. His day didn’t begin until after a hearty breakfast that included a heaping helping of the morning news shows. He loved hot food to the point that the microwave became his favorite appliance. Most meals, his plate had to take a 30-second spin around the microwave, even if the food had just been pulled off the stove.

An avid runner for most of his life, he completed his first marathon at the age of 57 with his son Oliver who had cajoled him into running the inaugural Country Music Marathon. Ray loved hiking in the Smoky Mountains. He and Kaye made several journeys to the top of Mt. LeConte, and usually came back down with a tale of getting too up close and personal with a bear. When not outside, Ray loved reading mystery and spy novels, working crossword puzzles, and watching Titans football. Ray’s passing is a heart-wrenching relief for his family and friends. He will be missed and always loved.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alive Hospice, 1710 Patterson Road, Nashville, TN 37203 or online at https://www.alivehospice.org/donate. The family is grateful for the women and men at Alive Hospice who cared for Ray with love and respect all the while showering his family with comfort and support.