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Sue Ann Spradlin Ray

May 31, 2022

Posted

Funeral services for Sue Ann Spradlin Ray, 79, of Shelbyville, will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Hillcrest Funeral Home, Revs. Jim Sorrells and Richard Stevenson officiating. Visitation will begin at 12 noon. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

Sue Ann Spradlin Ray passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2022, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous, unwavering battle with cancer. When presented with inauspicious odds, Sue staunchly replied, “If I’m going to die, I’m going to die fighting.”

Sue was born in Sylvia, Tennessee, in Dickson County, on May 24, 1943 to Edward Rhodes and Georgia Ragan Spradlin. She enjoyed helping her mother cook, working on the farm and playing with her homemade dolls. She attended Charlotte High School in Charlotte, Tennessee, for four years, transferring to McEwen High School her senior year where she graduated in 1961. Sue would later attend class reunions for both schools throughout her life. Following her graduation she attended Belmont University where she graduated in 1966. While attending Belmont, Sue was introduced to Ronnie Ray, the brother of her roommate’s boyfriend, with whom she would later spend 48 wonderful years of marriage. Sue and Ronnie were life-long companions and were blessed with three wonderful children: two sons, Jeffrey and Michael and one daughter, Angela.

When she wasn’t home cooking and caring for her family, Sue worked for the Department of Human Services where her colleagues appreciated the clever sense of humor she brought to the office every day. She would later retire after 33 years of service.

A follower of Jesus Christ, Sue faithfully attended church throughout her life, raising her children to be strong in the faith as well (Proverbs 22:6), teaching them the Amazing Grace offered through an authentic, personal relationship with Christ the Savior. A skilled pianist, Sue would later lead worship services at Immanuel Baptist Church, also being asked to fill in at other local churches when needed.

In the evenings, Sue was known to relax from a hard day’s work of chores by watching and quoting The Andy Griffith Show, watching and playing along with Wheel of Fortune (often outperforming the show’s participants) and cheering on the Golden State Warriors.

Sue is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Beth) Ray of Shelbyville, Michael (Christy) Ray of Manchester and Angela Ray of Shelbyville; six grandchildren, Rachel Holder (Bryson), Blake Sissom (Becca), Dalton Ray (Amanda), Kendall Ray, Carmen Calvert (Ethan) and Sophie Ray; six great-grandchildren, Carter, Wyatt, Owen, Easton, Cole and Gatlin; sister, Ada Kate Spradlin, brother-in-law, Larry Ray (Olena), sister-in-law, Darlene Davidson (James), sister-in-law, Mildred Spradlin as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ronnie Ray, brothers, James and Ragan (Ed) Spradlin, sister-in-law, Elizabeth Spradlin, father-in-law, Earl Ray and mother-in-law, Christine Ray.

Sue will be remembered for her kind, considerate heart, her captivating storytelling, her faithful attendance of all her children and grandchildren’s ball games and events and her strong, authentic faith in Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.