Freeman Ray - service 12-13-13

Freeman Ray was born April 17, 1942, in Jackson to Herman and Maxine Templeton Ray of Clifton. Mr. Freeman was better known to his family and friends as Noonie. He was married to Doris Marie Shutt for 53 years.

He received his B.S. at University of Tennessee at Martin and continued on to earn his Master’s at Middle Tennessee State University at Murfreesboro. Mr. Freeman began his career in education at Waynesboro in 1963, where he worked until 1966.

In the fall of 1966, he came to Hardin County to work at Walker Elementary as a teacher and basketball coach. In 1967, he became the principal at Walker and continued to coach for six years. In 1972, Freeman began work at the Hardin County Board of Education, where he remained in that position for 31 years until retirement.

After retirement, Mr. Freeman and Doris spent time traveling and loved spending time with their four granddaughters. He could often be found doing a little whittling on the porch at Neill’s Grocery in Burnt Church. He was an avid Vols fan and a proud member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Freeman leaves behind his wife, Doris Ray, a son, Danny “Duke” Ray, a daughter, Jill Boyd and her husband, Tony, and four granddaughters, Anna Ray, Abby Ray, Kara Boyd and Kelli Boyd.

Memorials may be given to Olivet Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 6095 Hwy. 226, Savannah, Tenn., 38372 or Darryl Worley Foundation, 935 Wayne Road, Savannah, Tenn., 38372. A graveside service was held on Dec. 13 at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Hardin County with Duwayne Pounds and Helen Hamilton officiating.