James Thomas Ray

Dr. James Thomas Ray, DVM, age 87, of Unicoi, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Born on October 4, 1937, he was the oldest child and only son of Lowell Ray and Berta Anderson Ray. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Cleo Ray Hughes and her husband Howard Hughes, and his brother-in-law Donald Riddle.

Dr. Ray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from East Tennessee State University before pursuing his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. A dedicated and well-known veterinarian, he owned and operated Ray's Veterinary Clinic in Unicoi for many years until his retirement. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he was awarded the American Veterinary Medical Association Member Honor Roll Status in 2009 for maintaining membership for 40 years.

A member of Unicoi Methodist Church and the Unicoi Ruritan Club, Dr. Ray had a passion for raising hunting dogs and cattle. He also took great pride in cultivating a thriving vegetable garden, renowned for producing some of the largest and most flavorful tomatoes, which he generously shared with family, neighbors, and friends.

Dr. Ray cherished time spent with his family. He is survived by his sisters Judith Ray Riddle of Titusville, Florida, and Kathryn Ray Booth of Nashville, Tennessee, along with Kathryn's husband Fred Booth. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews Donna Riddle Gentile, Diana Riddle Nugent, Susan Hughes Creutzinger, Karen Hughes Shelton, Emily Booth Masters, Matthew Booth, and David Riddle - as well as several grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Additionally, he is survived by his loving companion of more than twenty years, Sheila Jones. He embraced Sheila's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as his own.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Unicoi Funeral Home (4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, TN 37692), followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Dr. Mike Pinner. Interment will follow at Anderson Chapel Cemetery (545 Anderson Chapel Road in Unicoi).

Active pallbearers include Larry Parkey, Mark Ramsey, Michael Linville, Randall Masters, Holden Masters, and Jamey Shelton. Honorary pallbearers are Aaron McLellan, Jerry Ramsey, Clyde Tipton, Larry Tittle, and Ted Hopson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital or the Unicoi County Animal Shelter.