Ray Eugene Rutherford, age 77 of Clinton, TN passed away Thursday, December 1, 2011. He was baptized at 11 years old and is a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Ray graduated from Norris High School in 1953 and went on to broadcasting school in Nashville. Upon graduation, he started his career as a DJ in Alabama. Ray served in the US Army and was stationed at Red Canyon Range in New Mexico. He was also a well known and much loved musician and entertainer. Ray lived life to the fullest. He started his career with Penny J and the Sonjays. After touring the country for many years and 39 states, he decided to come home. He played at the Museum of Appalachia for 19 years as part of the museum band, known as Cuzin Raye. He was a member of the Riders of the Silver Screen Band with Marshall Andy appearing on many shows on Saturday morning as his sidekick, Rawhide Raye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Frankie Rutherford.

Survived by wife of 28 years, Helen Frances Rutherford; step-son, Lynn Phillips of LaFollette; step-daughter, Valerie Richardson of Jacksboro; grandchildren, Vanessa Voyles of Caryville, Jody Phillips of Clinton and Sarah Richardson of Jacksboro; four great-grandchildren. Also cousins, Harold Fraker and Barbara Konjevich of Illinois, Katrina Stout of Indiana; cousin Judy Watson & husband Hal of Seymour and Dorothy May of Seymour, and a host of friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2011 from 6-8PM at the Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with service following at 8:00PM officiated by Rev. Ken Abbott.
Interment will be at Norris Memorial Gardens on Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00AM with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the TN Alzheimer's Association; Tennova Hospice at Halls or a charity of your choice. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com