Obituary of Ray M. Penley

Ray M. Penley passed away suddenly on Sunday, Father’s Day, June16, 2019 at 9:12 PM at the age of 82.  Ray was born in Green County, Tennessee on December 19, 1936. He and 12 brothers and sisters were life-long local residents.  Ray worked for J. P. Stevens Glass Plant and retired from Tennessee Eastman in 1998.  In 2008, Ray was named second runner-up for the Tractor Supply Company Farmer of the Year Award.  Ray devoted his later years to talking farming and talking and caring for the land, and talking.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Judy Starnes Penley.  Ray was the father of three beloved children, his surviving daughter Lisa Penley and her husband Gerald McCalla of Alvin, Texas, his grandson Andrew Goldstein and wife Elysha, of League City, Texas.  His sons, Christopher died at age 21 and Nathan died at age 17 in two separate auto accidents.  He is also survived by siblings Carl Penley and wife Mary Lynn of Unionville, Virginia, Helen Penley of Kingsport, Tennessee, Mary Penley Bowen and husband Richard (Hagan) of Kingsport, Tennessee, Charlie Penley and wife Bea of Green County, Tennessee, Donnie Penley of Greenville, Tenessee and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Lucille (Sis) Bolton Penley and father Burlie Penley, 6 brothers and 1 sister.

The family will receive family and friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at the Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill.  The funeral service will follow with pastor Mitch Whisnant officiating. 

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, Virginia. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:50 AM.

To express condolences to the family visit www.cartertrent.com

Carter Trent Funeral Home, Church Hill is serving the Penley Family.