In the midst of grief and mourning, we announce the passing of Gary Lynn Ray of Chapmansboro, Tennessee, on August 9, 2025, to his most joyful final home. While his wife Jo Ann Ray; son Joshua Ray; daughters Summer Ray (Nathan) Clark, Abbey Ray, and Rachel Ray Honeycutt; grandchildren Miles Clark, Azalea Clark, Ruby Honeycutt, Samuel Honeycutt; brothers Calvin (Karen) Ray, Larry (Mary) Ray; sister Kay (Dale) Allen; mother in law Dorothy Chapman; and Buddy Honeycutt, miss him dearly and feel the deepest loss, they know he is finally free from the pains of cancer, rejoicing and creating music eternally with his savior.

Born in Yuma, Colorado on February 23, 1953, to Dan and Treva (Wilson) Ray, the youngest of his siblings. He spent his early years in Elk City, Oklahoma and Pampa, Texas. He met Jo Ann Chapman at the University of Southern Mississippi, and they married on March 11, 1973 and were married for fifty-two years. Just after their first child was born, they moved to Nashville for Lynn to study music at Belmont.

He held to his convictions and put others above himself. From hippie hitchhiker musician who gave all his clothes away because Jesus told him to, to a father of 4 who lived his whole life devoted to his family, he showed love through his actions and strove to live 1st Corinthians 13. His faith was sincere and deep. A compassionate, caring, and generous person, he gave to those in need and expected nothing in return.

Throughout his unconventional life, he wore many hats: baby photographer, skilled carpenter, lobbyist, politician, computer repair shop owner, bookstore owner, stage manager, drummer, and of course, guitar virtuoso. With a soft and modest voice, he advocated as a political strategist with moral integrity through many years at the state legislature. Often a man of few words and a dry sense of humor, he expressed his heart through his guitar and music throughout his life. He always responded to people in need, and he cared deeply for animals (he could never leave a stray out in the cold). His children and grandchildren meant the world to him.

While he never would want anyone to mourn his death, he will be celebrated with a memorial service at Gateway Assembly of God, in Ashland City, Tennessee, on Sunday August 24th at 2pm, with fellowship, music, and storytelling to follow at the Ray family home.
Cheatham County Funeral Home 615-792-2552 online condolences at cheathamcountyfh.com