Earl Wayne Ray, 82, of Nashville, died Tuesday January 16, 2024 at the Heritage House in Valdosta.

He was born April 9, 1941 in Cook County to the late Alvin Carl Ray and the late Allie Rainey Ray. He was a retired machinist with Weyerhaeuser in Adel for 36 years and attended Flat Creek Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was preceded in death by a son: Darien Ray; step daughter: Connie Spires; daughter-in-law: Karen Spires; brother-in-law: Zeddie Butterworth.

He is survived by his wife: Elouise Shealey Ray of Nashville; son: Dean Ray Rewis of Adel; 2 step sons: Ronnie Spires of Nashville and Eric Pittman of Hahira; 3 grandsons: Matt (Briana) Spires of Nashville, Adam (Kirbi) Spires of Hahira and Ryan (Saylor) Spires of Valdosta; 4 great grandchildren; sister: Linda Butterworth of Adel; nephew: Avery Butterworth of Adel.

Funeral services will be held Friday January 19, 2024 at 11 AM in the Chapel of Lovein Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Bussey officiating. Interment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Adel. Visitation is Friday one hour prior to the service.