Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

1150 South Dickerson Road

Goodlettsville, Tennessee

Virgil Ray Obituary

Virgil Ray

Goodlettsville - age 84, passed away on July 29, 2020. He was born in Varney, Pike County, Kentucky to Enos and Elmay Ray who raised Virgil and his four brothers and one sister on Turkey Creek in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. He graduated from Belfry High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Smith whom he later married. From an early age Virgil had dreams of traveling and creating a better life for himself and his family. He began a career with American Credit Company which allowed him to move throughout the southeast opening new offices . While he was pursuing this path, he and Barbara started their family, establishing their home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. After a successful career with American Credit, Virgil started Leasing Systems, Inc. in 1974. He served as President and later as C.E.O. and Chairman of the company. For 45 years Leasing Systems, through the leadership of Virgil and later his son Steve, has proven that through hard work and dedication a small business can thrive no matter what the obstacles.

Using his amazing business mind and strong work ethic, Virgil also became a successful and award winning homebuilder, real estate developer, investor and entrepreneur for over 30 years. He became active in the Middle Tennessee Homebuilders Association, an organization which not only allowed him to enhance his knowledge and contacts in the industry, but also to establish many lifelong friends. He served on the Association's Board of Directors, and other elected positions leading to a term as President in 1997. He was named Homebuilder of the Year in 1996 and was inducted into the Middle Tennessee Homebuilders Association Hall of Fame in 2017. Virgil was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of Beech Lodge #240. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and of the Al Menah Shrine Temple. He was a member of Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Virgil loved his family passionately and his life served as a reminder that there is good in everyone. Virgil never gave up on anyone, especially those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. Friendship was a sacred trust with him and every relationship he established was a personal investment—he invested himself in those he loved, especially his family. He loved people and his life touched so many others as he mentored, taught, counseled, laughed, cried and above all encouraged those he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ray of Goodlettsville, TN; Son- Steve Ray (Susan Smartt) of Goodlettsville, TN; Daughter-Deborah Bratcher (Ben) of Goodlettsville, TN; Grandchildren-Drew Bratcher (Emily) of Wheaton, Ill, Blake Bratcher (Christa) of Brentwood, TN, Chad Ray (Hannah) of Hendersonville, TN, Chase Ray of Springfield, TN; Great Grandchildren-Beckett Bratcher, Helena Bratcher, Rosie Bratcher, Parker Avery Bratcher, Georgia Bratcher; Brother-Harles Ray (Janis) of Hardy, KY, Sister-Dorothy Bolton (Bob) of Van Wert, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents- Enos and Elmay Ray; and three brothers-Ervin Ray, Gene Ray, and Ronnie Ray.

Visitation will be on Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 pm until 8 pm and Sunday, August 2 at 2 pm until 4 pm. Services will be on Sunday, August 2 at 4 pm with burial to follow.

www.forestlawnfuneral-goodlettsville.com

Published by Tennessean from Jul. 31 to Aug. 1, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Virgil Ray

Sponsored by Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Virgil Ray's name

Memorial Events
for Virgil Ray

Aug

1

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Aug

2

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Funeral services provided by:

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072

How to support Virgil's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Virgil Ray's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more