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Norm RAY Obituary

RAY, NormAge 73, passed away Saturday Apr. 17, 2010 after an extended illness. Norm is best remembered by middle Tennesseans for his quick wit and humor during his 20 year stay on the Ralph Emery Morning Show, WSM's the Waking Crew and 10 years on TNN's syndicated show Nashville Now plus host of the Saturday Morning Show. Preceded in death by his parents and wife, Cicily (Marable) Ray. Survived by his children, Sherry (Rau) Carver (Doug), Norman (Cathy) Rau, Andrew Rau (Cassie Lawhorn); grandchildren, Jason (Clare) Durina, Rachel Durina, Lisa Rybaczuk, Sydney Rau, Hallie Starnes and Ryan Ray; great grandchildren, Hanuman, Rasa-Mayi, Vidura, Raghunatha, Anjali, Catanya Durina & Adaleigh Linthicum; his brothers, Christopher, Leslie and Mark Chudy. A memorial service to be scheduled at a later date at Our Lady of the Lakes Church in Hendersonville, TN.

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Published by The Tennessean on Apr. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Norm RAY

26 Entries

Kyle Teachout

May 16, 2021

I never got to meet Norm Ray or even know he was my grandfather, on my mother's side, before he passed. Since I have learned a lot and now know where my passion for music came from among other things about myself. I'm proud.

Andrew Ray

September 25, 2020

Dad, hard to believe it's been 10 years now. Swear I've been woken up to his laugh in the middle of the night numerous times. If he could have only hung on a little longer to see the Cubs win the World Series

Melissa Morrell

May 2, 2010

He is my missing piece. I loved this man like no other. He and I spent many unforgettable moments together. I speak of him often, and will continue to do so.

I can still hear him whispering Hail Mary to me in Polish. I love you Norman Rau.

Melissa Dawn Lesley - Morrell

Renee Martin

May 1, 2010

I worked at the Nashville Network for years and I absolutely loved this man. He was hilarious and there was never a dull moment when he was around. I grew up watching him on the morning show so to be able to work at the network years later was a thrill. My oondolences to the family of Norm.

Chip Curley

April 30, 2010

Watched you every morning growing up. You gave so much to Ralph Emery and the Noon Show. I am very sad at your passing RIP

Blyth Bledsoe

April 26, 2010

I went to school with young Norm at Franklin High School. We became very close friends during that time and afterwards. I just lost my own father last July and understand what you are going through. I send my love, respect, and understanding to each of Mr. Ray's (Rau's) family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

April 26, 2010

Dear Uncle Norman, We will miss you. My mom, Rainbow, was severely saddened by your passing and plans to meet up with you in heaven. So look out.You made our lives very interesting. Peace, Suzanne, Sharon/Cheri, Sheela and mom.

Suzanne Walcheck

April 26, 2010

Dave Kyle

April 24, 2010

I played with Norm on the Saturday Morning show for a few years - what a guy. We'll all miss him.
Dave Kyle
Southern, California

Russ and Becky Jeffers

April 22, 2010

Becky and I met Norm when we were guests on Ralph's morning show. He was so kind and made us feel welcome even though we were new to Nashville. A friendship developed and we were blessed to know him. We will never forget his kindness. Our prayers are with you and Norm.

Jessie Kania

April 20, 2010

I can remember being a little girl, sitting on his knee and will never forget the smell of his cigars & the sound of his voice. I remember Norm and my Nana shouting "Sing, Jessie, Sing!!" This man gave me the best advice that anyone could have, "The only thing to fear, is fear itself." He was like a grandfather to me, he announced my birth on the Saturday Morning Show :).. But I know in my heart that he is happier now, with CiCi and my Grandpa Ralph, but Norm will never be forgotton.

Bette Kania

April 20, 2010

ANDREW....I'm still in shock...trying to get in touch with you. I have known you guys so long and I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He is up there with your mom and Ralph. I want to remember the "old days" We all had fun and that was what your dad brought when he came over. Love you...........Bette

April 20, 2010

ANDREW....I'm still in shock...trying to get in touch with you. I have known you guys so long and I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He is up there with your mom and Ralph. I want to remember the "old days" We all had fun and that was what your day brought when he came over. Love you...........Bette

Diane Jordan

April 19, 2010

I have known Norm since the early 70s, as I was one of the many "girl singers" who guested often on Channel 4's Ralph Emery Show. Norm quickly became a buddy. I had great fun doing a "Don't put it off, put it on" commercial, with Norm playing one of his characters, "the old prospector,
Death Valley." I visited him in his home about a year ago and we laughed as we remembered many good times from the Ralph Emery Show. My deepest condolences to Norm's family.

Charion Slocum

April 19, 2010

I remember visiting the Waking Crew and enjoying Norm's off the cuff remarks. It was constant and so funny. We will all miss Norm Rae. Our prayers go out to the family.

Wes Ramsay

April 19, 2010

Norm was so very kind to me as I was starting out as a musician over thirty years ago. He was outrageously funny, and told so many stories of life in that strange Nashville music business world. Condolences to his family and friends.

Sharon Loveall

April 19, 2010

I worked with Norm on The Waking Crew, Noon Show and Ralph's morning show. What a nut. Being up that early was actually fun because of Norm. He would sit behind me while I was singing and change the words to the songs - it was very hard not to burst out laughing. In recent years I had wondered where he was and what he was doing but couldn't find him. I'm sorry I didn't try harder, I would have loved to have seen him one more time. He was a great musician and a great guy. My prayers to his family.

Lynn McKinley-Buchanan

April 19, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Norm in the late 1980's at the Nashville Now show. He always treated me with kindness and had a GREAT sense of humor. He will be missed.

Mary Anderson

April 19, 2010

Thanks for all the good memories of the Ralph Emery Show you were the best!I could get a laugh every morning watching your wit & listening to your music..

Vic Bablove

April 18, 2010

Norm was one of the first musicians I met when I moved here from New York. We became friends fast and played together for many years. He would have me laughing till my stomach hurt.
He will always be with me in my memories. I send my deepest sympathy to his family. I will never forget you My Friend.

Vic Bablove

Nancy Bryant

April 18, 2010

Norm was one of my favorites . I am so sorry for your loss.

Joe Marable

April 18, 2010

Norm, I'll miss you brother. Give Cici a hug and a kiss for me. Say hello to Irv and Chuck. I love you and will think of you and your sax often.

Spider Wilson

April 18, 2010

I have a lot of great memories working with Norm all the years on the Emery Morning Show. May GOD BLESS you all.

Carolyn Luther

April 18, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Dicky Moran III

April 18, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Benjamin Farrar

April 18, 2010

I grew up watching Norm Ray on Channel 4 in Nashville,Tennessee.He was always witty & cheerful.He always was smiling.
I send my deepest sympathy to his family & many friends.
Norm wil be remembered and never forgotten.

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