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Ray Pillow Obituary
Ray Pillow was born on July 4, 1937, in Lynchburg, Virginia where he began his life with his wife of 66 years, Joanne Pillow, and their three children and eventually their six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Ray was a Veteran of the United States Navy and went on to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry as a country singer and songwriter. Ray celebrated 50 years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry in April 2016. He represented many musicians in Nashville and charted 18 times himself on the Billboard Country Single Chart. His last charted single was in 1981 with Jean Shepherd. He started Sycamore Records and later worked in the Arts and Repertoire department of Capitol Records while still playing on Friday and Saturday nights at the Opry until retiring in 2018.
Ray enjoyed being surrounded by his family, traveling, and catching up with his buddies when he could.
Ray is predeceased by his eldest son Ronnie "Dale" Pillow who passed last month on February 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Pillow, his daughter, Selena (Joe) Malone, his son, Daryl Ray (Barbara) Pillow, and his daughter-in-law, Julie (Dale) Ewers. Grandchildren: Cory Pillow, Zachary Ray (Telia) Balthrop, Brody Pillow, Ali Ray (Cody) Gaertner, Darby Pillow, Landis Pillow, and great-grandson, Bowden Ray Balthrop.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date by the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Susie Ray
March 26, 2025
Ray was one of the finest gentlemen I had the blessing to work with for many years at The Grand Ole Opry. He was always kind and thoughtful, with a joyful Spirit that endeared him to friends and fans alike.
May God rest his dear soul in Eternal Peace.
Susie Ray
larry d shannon
March 29, 2023
One of the best not notice enough he was one of the best I heard. along with him little Jimmy Dickens porter wagoner and many more. Country has and is dieing what we have now is pop and rock and roll and not even good pop and rock and roll.
Linda Compton
March 28, 2023
Ray was one of the nicest, down to earth man I have ever known. I would stop by and talk to him sitting in the garage listening to country music, reading a book and smoking his cigar. The cigar smoking was an understanding between he and Joann...a garage thing.
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Mona Dickens
March 28, 2023
Joan, I´m sorry to hear about Ray´s passing.
May God be with you at this difficult time, my prayers are with you and your family.
Mona Dickens
Patsy Whitten
March 27, 2023
Prayers for his family. Great entertainer and singer. I remember him from my hometown Lynchburg.
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