Ray R. French

RAY R. FRENCH, age 87, of Dandridge, TN finally reached his destination and was welcomed home into the arms of his Precious Lord, whom he loved, lived for, and talked about, on January 13, 2009. Preceded in death and waiting for him are his parents, Crockett Brownlow and Mary Elizabeth (Douglas) French; brothers, Mose and Carroll French; sisters, Agnes French, Naomi Graves; father-in-law and mother-in-law, T. T. and Josie (Glenn) Dalton. He will be sadly missed by his wife, whom he treasured for 61 years, Maxie Dalton French; daughters he dearly loved, Shelia Raye French and Shannon Elaine (Mike) Graham; granddaughter he loved, Jamia Shalene McKinley (Bryan) Cinnelli; and his pride and joy, his great-grandchildren, Jonathan, age 7, and Bryanna Rachel, age 4. He is also survived by grandson, Jeff Snyder and granddaughter, Barbra Teater; sisters-in-law, Mildred French, Edith, Shirley, Willie Mae and Blan; niece, Shirley Randolph and nephew, Curt French; beloved and cherished friends, Kyle (whom he loved as a son) and Sandy Underwood. Ray loved his church and was an active member of the Green Hill Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, trustee and Sunday School Superintendent for more than 50 years. He was instrumental in the actual building of the church, providing physical labor, financial gifts and learned wisdom to the many pastors he served under. Ray was a veteran of World War II and retired in 1983 from Snider Volkswagon Motors of Knoxville after 30 years of service. He loved his family, church, farming, gardening, sports, and life, bringing joy to all who came in contact with him. Special thanks to the staff of Jefferson County Nursing Home for their wonderful care and love during his stay there. Also special thanks to Dr. Lance Patton and the 2nd floor caregivers at St. Mary?s Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and to Robin Rector of Smoky Mountain Hospice. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening, January 15, 2009 at the Green Hill Baptist Church. The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2009 at the church with Reverend Len McElyea and Reverend Tommy Lindsey officiating. Interment will follow the service at Piedmont Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Dandridge, TN (865)397-2711 www.farrarfuneralhome.com