Paul Collins Ray

Paul Collins Ray, 98, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at his son’s home in Hopkins, South Carolina.

Born in Durham, North Carolina, Paul made his home in Johnson City. He proudly served in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during World War II aboard the LSMR 197. Following his service, he retired from the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center at Mountain Home.

Paul and his wife, Carolyn (Ann), were faithful members of University Parkway Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed driving through the countryside, admiring the beautiful landscapes, and photographing wildlife.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ira Walter Ray, and mother, Flossie Ada Ray, both of Durham, NC; his first wife, Sarah Scott Ray, of Columbia, SC; his brothers, Harrison Ray (survived by niece Anne Swindell (Bernie Doss) of Greensboro, NC; great-nieces Emily (David Bodenheimer, children Sam and Lilly Eisenberg) and Katie (Chris McBride); and Frank Ray (survived by Doris Ray).

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn (Ann) Ray; his son, Ira Mitchell Ray (Amy Dyches Ray); grandsons, Cody Mitchell Ray (Ashley Jimenez Ray) and Taylor Glenn Ray (Haley Hawkins Ray); and his great-grandson, Collin River Ray.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at University Parkway Baptist Church. A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Mountain Home National Cemetery Committal Shelter in Johnson City, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

University Parkway Baptist Church

219 University Parkway

Johnson City, TN 37604

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Ray family.

423-282-1521