Ray Gregg Osborne

He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Louise Shoemaker Osborne; parents, Joseph Niles and Ada Gregg Osborne; and brother, James Niles Osborne (Mara).

He is survived by his daughter, Elly Joplin (John B., Jr.); niece, Elizabeth Osborne; nephew, James Osborne (Ann); great-niece Beth Allen (Charleton); and great-great-niece, Campbell Allen.

Ray was a World World II Veteran having served in the U.S. Army in both North Africa and Italy. He was a charter member of Crievewood Baptist Church, serving the church actively for 61 years. He was a member of many fraternal organizations and had achieved the 32nd Degree Free and Accepted Mason with Lodge #47 (50+ year member), the 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason (highest honor in the Scottish Rite), and Royal Arch Mason Edward G. Corbitt with Doric #147 (50+ year member). He was an Order of the Eastern Star member of the Franklin Chapter 449 (50+ year member) and had served as Worthy Grand Patron of TN from 1964-65, as TN Grand Treasurer from 1976-91, and as Most Worthy Grand Patron of the General Grand Chapter, OES from 1991-94 (highest honor conferred upon a man of the OES).

He earned a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and a Master’s Degree in History from Vanderbilt University. He taught American History and Government at North High School and West End High School. He served as Assistant Principal of Central High School and John Overton High School. He also served as Director of Zoning and Real Property for Metro Schools, from which he retired in 1983.

Visitation will be held at Crievewood Baptist Church on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from nine o’clock in the morning until twelve noon, followed by funeral service at noon. Private interment to take place at Middle Tennessee Veteran’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Order of the Eastern Star Youth Scholarship Fund or to Crievewood Baptist Church.