Max Darrell Ray

Mr. Max Darrell Ray, age 85, of Tompkinsville, Kentucky departed from this life on Monday, April 17, 2023. Max was born in Monroe County, on April 25, 1937, a son of the late Fred Bransford Ray, and Lecta Ann (Deckard) Ray. He worked for the Monroe County Board of Education for several years, as a substitute teacher, and in the Afterschool and Daycare Programs, along with being Chess Coach for the elementary schools.  Max served as a Minister of The Gospel, for over fifty years, having preached at Freewill Church of Christ for over half of that time. Max had an appreciation for all of God’s creations and enjoyed being outdoors gardening, or working in his flower beds. He published two books, with a third being completed, and was in the works of a fourth one. His latest calling led him to minister on social media, where he had an array of friends and followers from around the globe.

He is survived by his children; Donna Johnson and husband James, of Palatka, Florida, Darrell Ray and wife Linda, of Martin, Tennessee, Philip Ray and wife Myrna, of Lexington, Kentucky; his step-children, Sherry Graves and husband Edward, of Tompkinsville, Stacey McPherson, and husband Kenny of Summer Shade, Kristi Annette Bartley, and husband Tony, of Tompkinsville, Gregory Joe Rich, of Tompkinsville, and Barry Moore Rich, and wife, Suzannah, of Lexington; four grandchildren, Emily, Austin, Tamara, and Alexander Ray; thirteen step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; along with one nephew, Jim Jernigan also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Fay (Spears) Ray, and Becky Rich Ray, and two sisters, Peggy Ray, and Patsy Jernigan.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Bartley & Sons Funeral Home in Tompkinsville, with burial to follow in Gamaliel Cemetery. Mark Kendall and Brian Fox will officiate the services.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11:00 until the time of service at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AFSP Kentucky in memory of Max.

AFSP Kentucky

9152 Taylorsville Road #274

Louisville, KY 40299

Those may also be made at the funeral home.

Bartley & Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Ray and his family during this time