Max Ray-age 79, of Sharps Chapel, born October 31,1943 passed away Friday evening, February 3, 2023 at Select Specialty Hospital. Preceded in death by parents, Lowe and Lassie (Pratt) Ray, siblings, Martha Mae Ray, Anna Mae Ray, Lorene Ray and Ralph Ray. He was a member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church and worked as a diesel mechanic for Massey Ferguson and Payne Ford Tractor in Tazewell for 44 years. He spent countless hours helping friends and neighbors with small engine repairs.

Survivors: wife, Lona Ray of 48 years and who just celebrated their anniversary January 17, 1975, sons, Mark Ray and wife, Kim; Brian Ray and wife, Spring; grandchildren, Tessa Ray, Shawn Ray, Brooke Needham and Braiden Needham. Siblings, Earl Ray, Glen Ray and wife, Fosteen, Lynn Ray, Alfred Ray and Irene Ray. Special friend, James (Frog) Reagan.

The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2023 with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Rev. Joe Graves, Rev. Andy Lynn, Rev. Trevor Bean officiating. Interment 12 p.m. Wednesday, Oak Grove Cemetery, Sharps Chapel, Rev. Greg Sharp officiating. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home by 11 a.m. Wednesday to go with the procession. Pallbearers: Braiden Needham, Jason Creech, Troy Ray, J. C. Ray, Joe Ray, Aaron Shoffner. Honorary Pallbearers: Caleb Keck, Greg Jones, Eugene Ray, Daniel Cole, Levi Ray and Robert Ray. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.