Viola "Nell" Ray

Viola (Nell) Ray was born January 31, 1944 in Tipton County, TN the daughter of the late James Leon Cates, Sr. and Viola Elizabeth Smith Cates. Nell graduated from Bethel Springs High School.

She was united in marriage to Russell Ray on June 17, 1962.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Bemis, she served faithfully in the Comforters Ministry - a group who lovingly made comforters for Hospice patients. She was a long time employee of Sears & Roebuck working in the customer service department.

She was a devoted wife, loving mother and faithful friend to many.

Mrs. Ray departed this life on August 15, 2022 in Jackson, Tennessee at the age of 78 Years, 6 Months, 15 Days. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Russell Ray of Jackson, TN; a daughter, Carol Dennison of Lexington, TN; a son, David Ray of Jackson, TN; three sisters, Rose Marie LaCroix and husband Clarence, Martha (Snookie) LaCroix, Jean Pickett and husband Max; a brother, Robert (Butch) Cates and wife Sheryl; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by a brother, James Leon (Jimmy) Cates Jr., brother-in-law, Fred LaCroix; son-in-law, Robert Glenn Dennison.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: First Baptist Church of Bemis, 116 Bemis Lane, Jackson TN 38301 - Comforter Ministry