Raymond Edgar “Ray” Priddy, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home on April 23, 2026. He was born on September 4, 1933, in Lexington, Tennessee, where he was also raised. Ray was the beloved son of the late Vashti Priddy and William G. Priddy.

Ray graduated from high school and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from May 1952 until May 1956. Following his military service, he built a strong work ethic that carried through two careers he dearly loved. He later joined the Memphis Police Department, serving honorably until 1984. He then began a second career with FedEx, from which he retired in 1996.

On May 19, 1957, Ray married the love of his life, Willa Deen Priddy (born May 13, 1936). Together they shared fifty-six wonderful years of marriage before her passing on December 3, 2013. Ray’s life was deeply rooted in family and faith. A believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior and a faithful member of Bellevue. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy lives on through them.

Ray had a lifelong love of airplanes and aviation and learned to fly, a passion that reflected his adventurous spirit. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting small game, working on cars, and collecting pens and watches. Known for his friendly nature, Ray rarely went anywhere without running into someone he knew. He was a joyful prankster, generous person, and truly loved people.

Raymond Edgar Priddy will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and faith. His life was well lived, and he will be greatly missed.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Fred Priddy, Billy Priddy, Betty Roberts, and Dot Dodd.

He is survived by his daughters, Tina Stubbs of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Jill Gobbell of Lakeland, Tennessee. His greatest joy came from his family, including his grandchildren: Andrew Stubbs (Meghan) of Bartlett, Tennessee, Ethan Stubbs (Angie) of Bartlett, Tennessee, Aubrey Gobbell of Arlington, Tennessee, and Grace Gobbell of Arlington, Tennessee. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Kane McDevitt of Norfolk, Virginia, Belle Stubbs of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Abigail Palacios of Bartlett, Tennessee, Naomi Palacios of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Gabrielle Stubbs of Bartlett, Tennessee.