Pearce Cann Ray, age 83, of Talbott, entered his eternal Heavenly home on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” He was a devoted Christian and parishoner of St. John’s Cathedral in Knoxville and also attended Manley Baptist Church with his beloved wife, Joyce. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee and a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was retired after nearly forty years in the transportation industry in logistics with several trucking corporations, the last one being Yellow Trucking (YRC). After retirement, he enjoyed golfing with the East Tennessee Seniors and his golfing buddies in North Knoxville. Also, he and Joyce loved traveling together to many interesting and scenic places in the United States and visited over twenty-four countries abroad, including the Holy Land and Scotland, the native land of his grandmother. During the winter months, they were excited to spend time with special friends at Sea Coast Gardens in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Pearce was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rebecca Cann Ray; and sister, Ann Louise Young. He is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife, Joyce Harrison Ray; children, Pearce (Melissa) Ray, Jr. and Jennifer Ray (Frank) Hogshead; grandchildren, Taylor and Cayden Ray and Trey Hogshead; step-children, Ashley and Kelli Carpenter; brother, Mack Ray; sister-in-law, Jo Anne Harrison; and several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will meet at 11:15 a.m. Friday, September 22 at East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery at 2200 East John Sevier Hwy. for an 11:30 a.m. military graveside service with The Very Reverand John Ross officiating. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. Friday at Westside Chapel Funeral Home with Dr. Tony Buchanan and Rev. Alan Duncan and officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations to Manley Baptist Church, 3603 W. Andrew Johnson Hwy. Morristown, TN 37814 or St. John's Cathedral, 413 Cumberland Ave. Knoxville, TN 37902.   Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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