Raymond Elijah McClain Sr.

Raymond Elijah McClain Sr., age 66 of Knoxville, TN, joined the Heavenly Host in the company of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on evening of Thursday, May 8, the year of our Lord 2025. Ray passed peacefully at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. He was born on January 31, 1959. Ray was a graduate of the historic Royal High School in the Lonsdale Community. Having come of age in the “Golden Age” of America, one of Ray’s passions was American Muscle Cars. Ray also enjoyed the simple country boy lifestyle; going fishing, sitting out by the lake, rides in the mountains especially in the fall, and of course watching the Vols try to win on Saturday. None of this however, comes close to his truest passion which was his family. A loving son, brother, spouse, dad, and papaw. Ray worked for 84 Lumber until his passing, having retired but ultimately returning back to the forklift as he did all he could to help those he loved. In life, Ray brought joy with him everywhere he went with his contagious smile and good humor. Ray was a selfless and hard-working family man and his absence is Heaven’s gain. 

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert E. McClain (Korean War Vet) and Dixie Marie McGinnis McClain (loving and faithful member of Stonewall Baptist Church in the Lonsdale Community); and sister, Kathy Haynes of Maynardville.

Ray is survived by his fiancé, Sandra Duncan “Baby Squirrel” and children, Kori and RJ, whom he loved as his own; his two sons, Raymond E. McClain Jr. “Lil Ray”, Ryan McClain, all of the Lonsdale Community; daughters, Tiffany (Alex) Woodward of Caryville, Brandi Spencer and Cassandra McClain; grandchildren, Addison McClain, Madisen White, Angelina Lopez, Micaela Lopez, Ruey Woodward, Rene Woodward, Raylen Woodward, Rayden Woodward, Lillian Woodward, Sophia McClain, Aleah Monroe and one on the way; brothers, Roger (Patricia) McClain of Maynardville, and Bobbie (Glenda) McClain of Powell; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:00-7:00PM at Mynatt Funeral Home, Fountain City Chapel. Family and friends will meet at New Gray Cemetery at 1:45 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, for a 2:00PM graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mynatt Funeral Home to help cover the funeral expenses. Online condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com