Nelce “Ray” Ownby 11/20/1933 - 12/21/2025
Nelce ‘Ray’ Ownby went home to be with the Lord on December 21, 2025. He was a dedicated member of Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church for over 50 years. He retired from the University of Tennessee with 27 years of service. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lofton and Nancy Ownby; brothers Dot and Frank Ownby; sisters Reba Orr, Nell Ball and Mildred Ogle. He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn Ownby of 63 years; beloved son Ray Andrew Ownby and wife Gina and daughter Sherry Lambiase and husband Tom; adored grandchildren Melody Ownby, Jacob Ownby, Joseph Ownby, Summer Jones and Dylan Jones; brother Glen Ownby and sisters Una Large and Wilma Gardner.
Services will be held on Saturday December 27, 2025 at Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church in Walland, TN. The family will receive friends from 10:00am to 12:00pm with funeral service and graveside at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church, 4502 Rocky Branch Rd, Walland, TN 37886.
