Ray Shular

William Ray Shular (Pap) (Born April 7, 1955) passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on January 11, 2023. Ray graduated from Rule High School in 1973 and within a year had started dating Carolyn and secured a job at Powell Telephone Company (later Alltel, Frontier, etc) where he worked for 35 years. After having Derick & Travis, Ray became active in Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he was a member and elder for over 30 years. Ray loved nothing more than spending time with his grandkids and watching them play ball. Ray loved coaching so many in the Powell community in basketball and baseball and his players loved being around his energetic and contagiously positive attitude. He was an active leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts when his boys were young, including guiding scouts along hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail. He loved to travel with Carolyn but when in Powell could often be found volunteering with many organizations including working in the kitchen at church. He was a true handyman and always willing to help a friend or a stranger. In 1998 he was honored with the title “Powell Man of the Year” by the Powell Business and Professional Association. Ray was an avid collector of antique bottles, loved driving a ski boat around the lake, a UT Basketball fan, spent countless hours on the basketball court himself throughout his life, and was still swinging a racketball racket as recently as December 2022. Ray was full of quick wit that you couldn’t help but love. Most evenings over the last 67 years Ray enjoyed a big bowl of home popped popcorn. The family is so thankful for the angels disguised as friends David & Lina Mertz, Marka & Danny Smith, Greg Evans, Jim Donaldson, Bob Cummons, Hilton & Pat Bolton and so many more. Ray is preceded in death by his father Clyde Shular, mother Lena Shular, sister Sue Harrison, sister Glenda Dennison, in-laws Rev. Lee and Frances Cate. Survived by his best friend, caretaker through his decline with Lewy Body Dementia, and loving wife of 48 years Carolyn Shular, 2 sons he was very proud of Derick Shular (Scarlett Kitts) and Travis Shular (Katie Shular). Pap will be missed by his grandchildren, the joy of his life, Tate & Sallie Shular. Also survived by brothers Lynn Shular & David Shular (Becky), in-laws Tommy (Pat) & Herman (Janice) Cate; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. The family would like to give a special thanks to UT Hospice for the comfort and care they have provided over Ray’s last few months. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 14, 2023, from 5:00pm until time of Celebration of Life Service at 7:00pm at Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 7225 Old Clinton Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921 with Dr. Thomas Sweet officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church Operation Christmas Child fund. https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1400127 Condolences can be left for the family at www.mynattfh.com