Sidney D. Ray Jr. (Sid), age 75 of Knoxville TN, passed away Thursday January 20, 2022 at U.T Medical Center surrounded by his family. Sid was born January 1, 1947 in Durham NC to Sidney and Agnes Ray. His family then moved to Florence SC where he grew up the oldest of 4 siblings. Sid graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1966 and then continued his education at the University of West Florida, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. With his keen ability to never meet a stranger, his passion for helping others and public speaking he knew he was meant to be in sales. In 1973, after a chance meeting, Sid and Cindy got married and moved to Dallas Tx, then Baton Rogue and then back to Tennessee where they made their home in Knoxville, and raised their two children, Jennifer and Brian.

Sid loved spending time with his family and friends, being an active member of Central Baptist Church of Bearden and was passionate about all his work projects but he also loved having fun and being outdoors just as much and shared that passion with his children every chance he could. Whether he was on the lake fishing, snorkeling in the ocean and deep-sea fishing with friends, hiking in the mountains or taking a hunting trip you always knew to expect a wild story when he came back. And of course, just like most Knoxville residents Sid loved cheering on the Volunteers every weekend. Some of his most memorable moments included holding the Tennessee state record for Kentucky Small Mouth Bass in 1980 caught on Nick-A-Jack Lake, his recognition of outstanding service to the United States Pavilion during the 1982 World's Fair Park and was the President of the Jasper Jaycees 1978-1979 where he was responsible for overseeing the construction of the rodeo stadium.

Sid is survived by his Wife, Cynthia T. Ray; Daughter Jennifer (Jeremy) Gregg; Son Brian Ray; Grandchildren Alex, Peyton and Sydney Gregg; Sister Nancy (Ralph) Mullis; Brother Richard (Lisa) Ray; Sister-in-law Terri (James) Church; Brother-in-law Robert (Pat) Leiderman; Sister-in-law Mary Ray; many wonderful nieces and nephews; and his beloved Yorkie, Jasper.

Sid is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Agnes Ray; his Brother David Ray; In-Law Parents Mr. and Mrs. Bill Turner and Brother-in-law Bill D Turner.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. (CST) at Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper, TN.

There will be no public visitation at the funeral home, the family will visit with friends after the graveside service at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to help cover expenses. Mail to Jennifer Ray Gregg 10612 High Meadow Dr., Knoxville, TN 37932

Arrangements are entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, TN 37380 (423) 837-7176.