Edward “Ray” Raymond Pentecost Sr., 73, of Ringgold, passed away Monday, March 19, 2018. A native of Nashville, he has lived in the North Georgia area for the past 39 years and was of the Catholic faith. Ray worked in heavy construction, and at age 18 he joined the U.S. Navy. After getting out, he stayed in the construction Industry. He was a member of the VFW post 1289 and American Legion Post 95 for 29 years. He started working with Utilities Construction in 1971 with W.L. Haliey company, then with Alman Construction company in 1979, Ray moved to Chattanooga as superintendent, did several projects for the city and also worked with Mayes Construction. Later he became Owner/Operator of R&M Trucking for 21 years, and then retired in 2010.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Williams Pentecost; mother and step-father, Frank and Mary Pentecost Wright; son, Edward Raymond Pentecost Jr.; daughter, Virginia Renee Wright; and cousin Anita Clem.
He is survived by daughter, Cathy (Ricky) Sensing of Ringgold; two step-daughters, Rhonda Hannah of Ringgold and Angie (Darren) Kittle of Ringgold; step-son, Douglas Wade Dixon of Madison, Tn.; sister, Linda (Bob) Hinds of Kelso, Tn.; brother, Rusty Wright of Kelso, Tn.; eight grandchildren, Caley Sensing, Blake Crider, Garrett Crider, Cortney Thomas, Tyler Phillips, Josh Hannah, Toni Renee Wright, and Steven Wright; nine great grandchildren; cousins, Derrell (Emily) Clem, Cindy Howell and Tina Collins; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 22 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Anderson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. until funeral time Thursday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold,