Ronald Franklin Ray

Ronald Franklin Ray, 72, longtime resident of South Knoxville, passed away November 29, 2024, from pancreatic cancer. Ron’s persistence during 2 years of treatment inspired all who watched him battle the disease. Ron was a member of Lake Forest Presbyterian Church. He worked for TVA for many years. Also, he umpired baseball and girls’ softball and refereed basketball and football for over 50 years in Knoxville and surrounding areas and had a reputation from coaches and athletes for being knowledgeable and fair. Ron was also inducted into the Knoxville Football Officials Association Hall of Fame.

Ron is survived by brothers Dennis Ray and Mike Ray and sister Sheila Cooper and brother-in-law James as well as by nephews Phil and Drew Ray and Greg Cooper. Thanks and appreciation are extended to Thompson Cancer Survival Center staff, especially Dr. Chism and Nurse Navigator Lucy Davis, to the Covenant Hospice team of Amanda, Gina, Jennifer, Ruby, and Thom, and to friend Mike Wheatley.

The family will receive friends Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920, with a service to follow at 6:00 PM officiated by Pastor Chad Wright-Pittman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Forest Presbyterian Church, 714 Lake Forest Dr., Knoxville, TN 37920, or to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Ray family at www.berryfuneralhome.com

Berry Funeral Home

3704 Chapman Highway

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-577-6666