Tommy Ray

Elisha Tom “Tommy” Ray, 81, passed away from this life to life eternal in the evening hours of Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Diversicare Nursing Home in Amory. The oldest of nine children, he was born to Elisha Asberry and Mary Magaline Ray. He grew up attending Carolina, Dorsey, and Amory schools and on October 13, 1960 he married the former Janice Easter. For the next 40 years, he worked in the area garment industry, and after his retirement he worked another 7 years in maintenance for the Nettleton School District. Tommy’s hobbies included fishing and camping especially with his family, Grenada Lake being his favorite. He started out tent camping, then in a pop-up before graduating up to a trailer camper. Tommy was a dedicated servant of the Lord and served as a Deacon for nearly 20 years at New Hope Baptist Church. He was later a member of Bigbee Baptist Church before joining Meadowood Baptist Church. He always made sure his family was in church, leaving an unshakeable legacy of faith and family. 

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Cleveland-Moffett Funeral Home with Bro. Lloyd Sweatt, Bro. Justin Haynes, and Bro. Thomas Ray officiating. Burial will follow in the Lann Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Janice Ray; one son, Tommy Dale Ray (Audrey), Amory; one daughter, Tina Ray Dendy (Cole), Aberdeen; two brothers, Leonard Lee Ray (Mary Nell), Itawamba Co. and Bobby Ray (Pam), Okolona; sisters, Linda Cantrell (Jerry), Amory and Betty Sue Tatum, Nettleton; grandchildren, Kayla Hathcock (C.J.), Max Stevens (Caitlyn), Thomas Ray (Braeden), Courtland Massey (Jacob), and Keighly Nanney (Abram); great grandchildren, Kason Hathcock, Case Stevens, Colton Hathcock, Gray Massey, Merideth Massey, Caiden Stevens, Charlie Ray, and Olivia Grace Stevens-due Monday; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean Johnson; and brothers, Wayne Ray, David Earl Ray, and Johnny Mac Ray.

Pallbearers will be Allen Hughes, Danny Brookman, Scottie Tackett, Jamie Guyton, Andy Cantrell, and Marty Cantrell.

 Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

 Condolences may be shared with the family at clevelandmoffettfuneralhome.com