Raymond Jackson Chumley, Jr.

Raymond “Ray” Jackson Chumley, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Halls, Tennessee, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Ray dedicated 50 years of his life to the television industry. He began his career on the production side at WLAC in Nashville, Tennessee, and at WRCB in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He later served as Operations Manager for WJKS in Jacksonville, Florida. Over the course of his distinguished career, he went on to serve as Vice President and General Manager of WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio; WJRT in Flint, Michigan; WRBL in Columbus, Georgia; and WTOK in Meridian, Mississippi. His leadership and professionalism left a lasting impact on the stations and communities he served.

A devoted community member, Ray served on the boards of the Boy Scouts of America in Steubenville, Ohio, and Meridian, Mississippi. While in Steubenville, he earned the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor presented to volunteers by the Boy Scouts of America. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club. He was a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon while attending the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Ray’s Christian faith was central to his life. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Steubenville, Ohio. Throughout the years, he worshiped at First Baptist Church of Steubenville, Ohio, and Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond “Jack” Jackson Chumley and Gladys Belle Wilson Chumley, his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 69 years, Dorothy Ann “Dottie” Whitehurst Chumley, and his infant grandson, William Jackson Everhart.

Ray is survived by his children, Terry Allen Chumley (Connie), Jennifer Rae Chumley Weaver (Bob), and Susan Jeanette Chumley Everhart (Darwin); his grandchildren, Jordan Wilson Weaver (Maureen), Tyler Sims Weaver, and Taylor Dane Everhart; his great-grandchild, Milo Sims Weaver; his sister, Sue Stringer; nephews John Bedford and Mark Bedford (Kim); and several great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of his caregivers who cared for him so faithfully each day.

Ray will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted and steadfast supporter of his family, a steady and principled leader, and a man of deep faith who was dedicated to the many communities he proudly called home.

Family and friends will meet at 12:45 PM on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM for a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918. Hospice Chaplain Phillip Groos will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to UT Hospice, Choctaw Area 302 Council of Scouting America in Meridian, Mississippi.