Ray Tackett, Sr., age 66 of Norris, loving husband, father, papaw, treasured son, brother, and Veteran of the U.S. Army, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Ray owned and operated Ray Tackett Enterprises for over 30 years and developed it into an international business specializing in designing, machining, welding and fabricating. He was a devoted member of Covenant Life Church of God and served in various ministries throughout his life.

He is preceded by his father, Luther, and sister, Fay McKamey.

He leaves Nancy, his wife of 45 years, his mother Ella; his children, Ray and wife Heather Tackett, Priscilla George, Deborah and husband Joe Higgs; his grandchildren, Ashley and husband Sean Langlois, Kelsie, Sam, and Hailey George, and Gavin Higgs; brothers, Clay and wife Glenda Tackett, Laymond and wife Dana Tackett, Larry and wife Renee Tackett; sister, Della and husband Ronnie Kitts. Ray was also blessed with a host of nieces and nephews and a multitude of lifelong friends and colleagues.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at Covenant Life Church of God, 227 Church Avenue, Lake City, TN, from 5-8PM. Funeral service will begin at 8 o'clock with Pastor Tony McAfee officiating. Graveside service with military honors will be Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00AM at Norris Memorial Gardens in Norris, TN. The family wishes to thank Mercy Hospice for their care and support throughout this journey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Covenant Life Church of God's building fund. Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.holleygamblefh.com