Raymond Coe Albright

Former Tennessee State Senator Ray C. Albright, whose work was integral in rejuvenating the city of Chattanooga, passed away Monday, July 31, 2017. A native of Paint Rock, AL and son of the late Raymond Albright and Mabel Ramsay, he graduated from Central High School and Vanderbilt School of Banking. He retired from Union Planters Bank, where he served as vice president. He shaped legislation for 26 years as a vital member of Chattanooga's delegation in the Tennessee General Assembly where he was a staunch supporter of public education. While in the House he sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination against entrance into schools based on race, creed, religion or national origin. He was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the President's Committee on Environment after sponsoring a bill to require a certain percentage of recycled steel be used in the construction of bridges. He stated his career highpoint was sponsoring the bill that created Chattanooga State Technical College, changing the school from an area vocational high school to a technical community college. The original building at the college, Albright Omniplex, is named for Senator Albright. After serving in the legislature, Senator Albright worked as a lobbyist for Blue Cross, Blue Shield and the Small Schools Districts' Association, and as a member of the board of Erlanger Hospital.
Ray spent his life caring for those who were unable to care for themselves. He became involved in politics and won the position of state representative to address the horrendous pollution that hung over Chattanooga, Tennessee. He stood against the federal government TNT plant and foundries downtown to say that our citizens' deserved clean air to breathe. His legislation took Chattanooga from one of the dirtiest cities in which to live to one of the cleanest and became a model for clean air legislation at the national level.
He cherished the moments spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. There was always a smile on his face as he entertained the grands on the lake.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Longwith Albright, of Harrison; His family includes a daughter, Susan Albright Currie and her husband, Dan, of Huntsville, Ala.; son, R. Chris Albright and his wife, Kristy, of Dunlap; three grandchildren, Raegan Spencer, Megan Hoehn, and Paxton Albright; a brother, Robert Albright; and three great-grandchildren, Olivia Grace, Vivienne Graeme, and Jackson Phillip.
A private memorial was held on Friday, August 4, 2017, at the Memorial Garden of First-Centenary United Methodist Church with Dr. David Harr officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude Hospital at https://www.stjude.org. Condolence cards may be emailed to rayalbright@comcast.net or mailed to the family of Ray Albright, 16 Devonshire Street, Huntsville, AL 35806.
Arrangements under the direction of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-East Chapel, East Ridge, TN.