Aaron Ray
Aaron Dewayne Ray, 87, of Union City went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at The Waters in Union City.
He was born Feb. 12, 1938, in Moulton, Ala., to the late Archie and Letha Ray from Town Creek, Ala. After graduating high school, Aaron joined the armed forces and was honorably discharged in 1959. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He married Mary Estes in 1965. Mary passed away in 2008, and he later remarried Brenda Hopper who passed away in 2024.
Aaron retired from the Goodyear plant after 30 years of service as a production scheduler, where he was nicknamed “Slick.” He was dedicated to all the things he endeavored to do. He loved God; he loved his church family (Manna Ministries), his family and he loved to bowl. Aaron leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and devotion to all who knew and loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten.
He selflessly loved his family; he leaves behind two daughters, Deborah Bennett (Harlan) of Union City and Melissa Wheeler of LaCenter, Ky.; a son, Aaron Ray Jr.; a stepdaughter, Tammy Owensby, both of Union City; and a brother, Duel Ray from Decatur, Ala. He was also cherished by his five grandchildren, Cody Sowell (Macy) and Mary Beth Long from Water Valley, Ky., Callie Gray (Jody) and Brandy Bennett from Union City and Liberty Payne from LaCenter, Ky.; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m., Friday Aug. 1, at White-Ranson Funeral Home in Union City. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the hour of service. Pastor Ruth Green and May Simpson will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Haynes Memorial Garden in Tiptonville. Pallbearers include Zach Simpson, Jonathan Jonas, Cody Sowell, Jody Gray, Chris Simpson, Alijah Simpson, Kaleb Wright and Steven Walden. Honorary pallbearers include son-in-law, Harlan Bennett; his brothers-in-law, Joe Simpson and Bob Pace; and Wes Walden.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Arnold Ray, Wiladean Haygood and Jean Garrett from Alabama.
The Messenger 7.25.25