Ray Poag

James "Ray" Poag, 83, of Dalton, Georgia passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 at Hamilton Medical Center. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was born to James and Verdie Poag on July 7, 1942. Ray graduated from Murray County High School and then went on to graduate from West Georgia College. While at college he met his wife of sixty years Mona. They soon began their family and had three children: Jay, Leigh and Preston.
Ray was a member of the 1960 Murray County State Championship Basketball team. He also played football and ran track. He went on to play basketball while at West Georgia College. Ray was a passionate sports fan who could discuss any sport at any level. He never missed a game played by his children or grandchildren. Ray was a fixture at the North Murray Mountaineers Friday night football games. He also loved following the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks. He was a member of Dalton First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his children, Jay Poag (Amy) of North Carolina, Leigh Poag Stone (Peter) of Dalton, Preston Poag (Bridgette) of Cartersville. Siblings Polly Montgomery of Dalton, and Jackie Poag of Dalton. Grandchildren Jamie Pack (Graysen) Asheville North Carolina, Savannah Stone (Justin) Atlanta, Alexis Herren (Michael) Savanah, Pressley Trejo (Kyle) Cartersville, Brandon Poag (Sarah) Greenville, South Carolina, Preston Poag Jr, Cartersville, Jacob Poag, Spartanburg, South Carolina. He had three great-grandchildren Palmer James Trego, Tatum Herren, James Baker Poag.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Mona Poag. His parents, James and Verdie Poag, his two brothers Charles Judy Poag and Johnny Poag. His great uncle and aunt CJ and Deecie Poag.
The Poag family would like to thank the nurses and Doctors at Hamilton Medical Center, Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital and Regency Park. They all offered wonderful care to Ray.
The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. at 2:00 pm at the Pleasant Grove Chapel of Julian Peeples Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Flanagan and Rev. Bridgette Poag officiating. The Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11:00am until the funeral service time at 2:00 pm.
Burial will be in the Dug Gap cemetery.
In lieu of flowers family requests donations to St Jude's - stjude.org/donate