Johnny Wayne Ray

Johnny Wayne Ray, 68, of Kingsport, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with his family by his side.

He was born on March 1, 1957, and spent his entire life in Kingsport. He never met a stranger and was a proud and loving father and grandfather. Johnny was an avid drag racer who loved being at the drag strip and enjoyed watching his granddaughters play softball. He enjoyed working on cars and spent his entire career as a mechanic, first at Cox Oldsmobile and then for over 30 years with the City of Kingsport fleet maintenance before retiring.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. Ray and Pauline Stapleton Ray; and his girlfriend, Sherrie Gilreath.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jeremy Ray; daughter, Kasey Ray; and grandchildren, Brodie Ray, Kyleigh, and Makenzie Woodard; his brothers, Eddie Ray, Larry Ray, and Steve (Teresa) Ray; as well as several nieces and nephews; and his long-time friend, Claude Hall.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11 am-1 pm, with a short service to follow at Higher Ground Baptist Church, 1525 Lynn Garden Dr., Kingsport, TN 37665, with Steve Ray and Ronnie Owens officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made towards his funeral expenses. Click here to donate: https://square.link/u/Dp3Ze6mX

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family, online condolences can be shared with the family on our website at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.