Chester Ray Cecil Jr.

Ray was born on April 17, 1949 in Athens, TN. He was a graduate of East Ridge High School and the University of Chattanooga. He was retired from Provident/Unum with 33 years of service, after building a successful career filled with lifelong friendships.

Ray was a loving husband, Daddy, Poppa and brother. He was a loyal friend, generous with his love and support for family and friends. Ray enjoyed being with wonderful groups of friends, whether it was going to Gatlinburg or just having dinner, traveling, and watching his beloved UT Vols. But most of all he loved spending time with his girls, especially on beach vacations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C. Ray Cecil, Sr. and Barbara Chance Cecil, and his in-laws, Bea and Madge Kilgore.

Ray is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debbie (Kilgore) Cecil, daughter Amber Cecil York and granddaughter, Caitlyn Rae York of Alpharetta, GA, brother Michael B. Cecil, East Ridge, niece

Misty (Frank) King of Chattanooga, several cousins and many loving friends.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Tuesday, October 2 at the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home with a memorial service on Wednesday, October 3 at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with Robert Peck and Ralph Christiana officiating. Burial will be at Lakewood Memory Gardens, South.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Erlanger East team, including the fantastic ICU team, therapists and doctors. You made Ray’s health and comfort the most important priority each day. Also, our thanks to the CHI Memorial Home Health Care team for all of your support. Most of all thank you to our tremendous friends who were there every step of the way with love and support.

Please share your memories of Ray with the family at www.chattanoogaeastbrainerdchapel.com

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 8214 E. Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.