Mr. Donny Lamar Ray, age 63, Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Thursday, March 14, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Donny was born October 22, 1960, in Dalton, Georgia.  Donny was retired from Judd and Sims Gas Company where he worked and drove a tanker truck for over thirty-five years. His CB handle was "Simple Man" and he was a simple man who worked hard, loved His Savior, Jesus Christ, his family and loved one's. Donny made many friends over the years with fellow truckers and was a member of the Gordon County Antique Engine and Tractor Club.

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Ray, his mother and step-father, Helen Blankenship and Wally Stabenow, his sister, Sherry Curry, infant brother, Danny Joe Ray, grandparents, Charlie and Gordie Ray, Tom and Jessie Blankenship, mother-in-law, Alice Hammock, and father-in-law, Ralph Harris.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years, Loria Ray of the residence; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Ron Scheetz; son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Michelle Ray; grandchildren, Layla Smith, Lillian Ray, Lacey Allen, Kyleigh Allen, Little Ron Scheetz and Sadie Scheetz all of Dalton, GA; brothers and sister-in-law, David and Audrey Ray of Chatsworth, GA, and Charlie T. Ray of Norwich, CT; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy and David Muse of Dalton, GA; father-in-law and mothers-in-law, George and Joy Hammock of Resaca, GA, and Anita Harris of Calhoun, GA; several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Donny Lamar Ray will be held Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Ray's Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Danny Gazaway officiating.  He will be laid to rest with his family in the church cemetery with David Muse, Scott Hammock, Joshua Ray, Ron Scheetz, Little Ronnie Scheetz and Brad Zinsmeister honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 12:00 p.m. Noon Sunday until the service hour.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721.   706-226-4002 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org