Linda Gail Ray

Cleveland native Gail DeLay Ray passed away at her home in Maryville, Tenn., Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, after a six-year battle with cancer.

A graduate of Bradley High School and last employed as an administrative assistant by Whitlock & Associates CPA, she is a member of Grandview Baptist Church in Maryville.

Gail was a loving wife, mother and daughter known for her compassion, servant’s heart and warm smile that emanated from an inner beauty. She was a master barber with a keen eye for interior decorating and a love of antiques.

She was pre-deceased by her son, Marc Jason Lawson of Cleveland.

She is survived by her husband, Darryal Ray of Maryville; son, CPT. M. Jeremy Lawson, MD and wife Maureen of Sanford, N.C.; mother, Norma Jean DeLay of Cleveland; sisters Sheron Thompson of Cleveland and Donna Massie and husband Tony of Old Fort; brother, Charles "Chuck" Delay Jr. of Columbus, OH;  step-son Jonathan Ray of Birmingham, AL.; step-daughters, Crosbie Songer and husband Dave Songer and Allison Mathews and husband Jacob Mathews, all of Norman, OK.; grandsons, Isaac Lawson, Jonathan Lawson and Asher Lawson, all of Sanford, N.C.; USMC SSgt. Christian Songer and wife Niki of Great Lakes, IL.; Jacob Songer of Norman, OK.; and Aiden Mathews, Norman, OK.; granddaughter Caitlin Songer of Oklahoma City; great grandchildren Harrison, Ariella and Kelly Songer, all of Great Lakes, IL.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

A celebration of her life will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home Chapel in Cleveland, Tenn. Rev. Steve Linginfelter and Rev. Chris Pass officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Richie Holmes, Jonathan Ray, SSgt. Christian Harrison, Isaac Lawson, Jonathan Lawson and Jake Songer. A private graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens

The family will receive friends from noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. No mask is required, but will be available for those who choose to wear them. The service will be live streamed on the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home Facebook page.  

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Gail’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tunnel to Towers or a church or charity of your choice.