Ray Priest

H. Ray Priest, 78, of Athens, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, peacefully at his residence.

A native and lifelong residence of Athens, he was a son of the late Edward M. and Ethel Finney Priest. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Matthew Priest; sisters, Frances (Bill) Bidwell and Mary Priest; and the mother of his children, Susie Leslie Priest.

A proud “North Athens boy,” he was a 1964 graduate of McMinn County High School, where he played football for the Cherokees all four years.

He began what would become a career spanning over 40 years in the furniture industry by working at his father’s Lucky Furniture Manufacturing. This initial start led to an extensive career as a traveling furniture salesman that took him throughout the southeastern United States and beyond where he developed countless professional and personal relationships. He was President of both Springbrook Furniture Manufacturing and Horizon Furniture Manufacturing. In retirement, he owned and operated Athens Auto Sales.

He was a longtime Mason belonging to Meridian Sun Lodge #50, Scottish, and Alhambra Shrine. He was part of one of the founding families of Pope Avenue Baptist Church and remained of the Baptist faith throughout his life.

Most of all, he was a proud and loving Dad, Papaw, Uncle Ray, and friend to many.

Survivors include daughters, Amie (Jon) Simbeck of Athens and Angie (Dr. Rusty)Barnett of Englewood; son, Andy Priest of Athens; grandchildren, Dr. Tyler (Emily) Forrest, Grant (Lauren) Barnett, Ashley (Joshua) Hicks, Drew Priest, Emma Barnett, Natalie (Josh) Wright, Chelsea (Nathan) Hyde, and Roland (Geri) Banhoro; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret (Lester) Sneed of Beverly Hills, FL; brother, Harold (Martha) Priest of Chattanooga; and numerous extended family members and special friends.

Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Monday, July 8, in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with David Ballew officiating.

Interment will be Tuesday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at McMinn Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Forrest, Grant Barnett, Drew Priest, Joshua Hicks, Josh Wright, Pat Priest and Lt. Colonel Mark Shannon Leslie (Retired).

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McMinn County High School Performance Center, c/o Mark Lockmiller, 2215 S. Congress Parkway, Athens, TN 37303.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/ray-priest

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.