Helen Mullins Ray

Throughout her life Helen held many titles, but her favorites by far were mom and granny. She took pride in her strong work ethic and independence. In her spare time, Helen thoroughly enjoyed gardening, baking, cooking, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved going to the beach with her grandkids, and a vivid memory they have from those trips include her always waking the entire house singing Patsy Cline.

She rarely could be found without her contagious smile and friendly demeanor. Many will remember her in the Dyllis Community from Ray’s Grocery, which she ran for over 20 years. After the closing of Ray’s Grocery, she co-owned Sims Market and Deli in Hardin Valley for the following two decades. Because she could never stay stagnant, her love for children led her to the Roane County School District where she was a substitute teacher.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Willie and Viola Nance; father and mother, Virgil and Louise Mullins; her husband, Donald Wayne Ray; lifetime partner, Don Hendrix; brothers, Virgil Lee, Rayford, Doug and Allen

Keith Mullins;

and one grandson, Ethan Grindle.

She is survived by her son, Darrell Ray; his children, Bethany (Bryon) Morton and Makayla (Josh) Anderson; her daughter, Angela (Randy) Stagnolia, their children, Kirstie (Zach) Grindle, Alix (Skylar) Seiber, Cassie (Cory) Braden, Andrew Stagnolia, Austin Stagnolia, Erica Giles, Tegan Stagnolia and Ryle Gehrts; great-grandchildren, Everly, Delaney, Ariana, Gracie, Laklee, David, Mason and Kinsley; sisters, Pat Long, Phyllis (Tony) Dutton, Pam (Harral) Bryant, Linda (Barry) Coker, Emily (Gary) Conleay, Robin Hall; brother, Danny (Jenny) Mullins; lifelong special friend, Alice Thacker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and church family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Blair Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD). Donations can be made payable via check to Blair Fire Department and can be mailed to the attention of BVFD at 1911 Old Harriman Hwy., Oliver Springs, TN 37840.

The body will lie in state on Monday, June 13, 2022, from 12-1 p.m. at Dyllis Baptist Church 530 Dyllis Road in Harriman.

Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. followed by the funeral service with Pastor James Griffith officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

To leave a note for Helen’s family or to share a condolence, please sign our online guestbook at jacksonfuneralservices.com.