Bob Ray

A celebration of life for Bob Ray, 74, of Knoxville, will be held Monday, October 20, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Pine Knolls Golf Club in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in care of Bob's family and will be designated at a later date.
Bob was born on April 5, 1951, in Broadview, IL to Ted and Lorraine (Ward) Ray. He grew up in the Chicago area graduating high school in 1969. During his time there he enjoyed playing on the basketball, tennis, football, and baseball teams. He went on to college studying Business/Economics. After college Bob began his career with the Veteran's Administration where he managed the canteen and cafeteria services. He started at the Loyola hospital and worked at several hospitals before moving to Knoxville 45 years ago, where he continued to work at the VA.
Bob had many hobbies and was very competitive. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, fishing, and bowling. He loved and listened to many different genres of music, including classic rock and classic country. Bob also loved his bourbon. He really enjoyed trying different kinds with everyone, and they would always bring him new kinds to try!
Stubborn may be a good word to describe him, but he was always willing to help and was a jack of all trades. He loved to tease his grandchildren and loved it even more when they teased him back.
Bob passed away October 16, 2025, surrounded by his family at the Knoxville Hospital. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 26 years, Karen Ray; children: Josh Ray, Heather (Scott) Schmitz, Meghan (Matt) DeMello, Justin Staley, and Jeff Staley; grandchildren, Avery Opps, Aidan Julich, Ambrose Julich, Amari Julich, Avalyse Julich, Reagan Schmitz, Brett Schmitz, Addison Schmitz, Brady Schmitz, Adley Pratt, Sophia DeMello, Justin Staley Jr, Jazalinn Staley, Jolyssa Staley, and Hazel Staley; and brother, Jimmy Ray; along with many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dennis and Kenny; and daughter, Katie Smith.