Ray Morris Templeton

On the Sunday evening of March 15, 2020, Ray Morris Templeton (80), beloved husband of 57 years to Charlotte Templeton and father of Bert(Susan), Brent(Karen) and Lee Templeton, took his last breath with his family by his side and peacefully departed and went home to be with the Lord after a hard fought battle with cancer.

For those fortunate to have known him he will be remembered for his love and Christian devotion.  Ray was a hard worker, always dependable with strong integrity and great perseverance. Though Multiple Sclerosis took hold of his physical body when he was in his early 50’s, he surpassed the doctors’ notion that he would be permanently in a wheel chair by age 57. With the assistance of a cane, a positive attitude, and a keen sense of humor, Ray continued walking for another 20 years.

 Ray leaves behind five loving grandsons: Logan(Kait), Clark, David, Drew(Gretchen), and Matthew. Ray enjoyed supporting each of his grandsons in their athletic endeavors and could be found field side/courtside at any sporting event in which they were participating. Ray was never at a loss for words and always provided each grandson with either words of encouragement or teasing words of wisdom.

Ray was born on July 4th, 1939 to father Malcolm and mother Josephine Templeton. He was the youngest sibling of three, with an older sister Jane and brother Don. Raised in the country on the family farm, he learned many of the traits he taught his sons like hard work and taking pride in whatever you are doing.

After high school, Ray attended Middle Tennessee State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. Upon serving his time and achieving an honorable discharge, Ray went to work at American Lava Ceramics in Chattanooga, Tennessee. American Lava was later bought by 3M before being purchased by General Electric and finally Coors, where he worked until his MS diagnosis.

Ray enjoyed, in his own words… “trying to stay alive” and playing Bridge and other games with friends and family. Ray was an active member of Brainerd Hills Baptist Church. Special thanks to Fred and Sandra Huskey for assisting Ray and Charlotte in getting to church on Sundays.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a contribution to one of these charities Ray supported:

Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Chattanooga Rescue Mission, 1512 S Holtzclaw Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Union Gospel Mission, 124 Signal Hills Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37405

St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Drive, Memphis, TN 38105

Due to the current health situation in the country, the family will be holding a small private graveside service but will later host a Celebration of Life Memorial for friends and loved ones.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.