age 84, passed away on July 29, 2020. He was born in Varney, Pike County, Kentucky to Enos and Elmay Ray who raised Virgil and his four brothers and one sister on Turkey Creek in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. He graduated from Belfry High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Smith whom he later married. From an early age Virgil had dreams of traveling and creating a better life for himself and his family. He began a career with American Credit Company which allowed him to move throughout the southeast opening new offices . While he was pursuing this path, he and Barbara started their family, establishing their home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. After a successful career with American Credit, Virgil started Leasing Systems, Inc. in 1974. He served as President and later as C.E.O. and Chairman of the company. For 45 years Leasing Systems, through the leadership of Virgil and later his son Steve, has proven that through hard work and dedication a small business can thrive no matter what the obstacles.
Using his amazing business mind and strong work ethic, Virgil also became a successful and award winning homebuilder, real estate developer, investor and entrepreneur for over 30 years. He became active in the Middle Tennessee Homebuilders Association, an organization which not only allowed him to enhance his knowledge and contacts in the industry, but also to establish many lifelong friends. He served on the Association’s Board of Directors, and other elected positions leading to a term as President in 1997. He was named Homebuilder of the Year in 1996 and was inducted into the Middle Tennessee Homebuilders Association Hall of Fame in 2017. Virgil was a 32nd degree Mason and was a member of Beech Lodge #240. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and of the Al Menah Shrine Temple. He was a member of Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Virgil loved his family passionately and his life served as a reminder that there is good in everyone. Virgil never gave up on anyone, especially those who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. Friendship was a sacred trust with him and every relationship he established was a personal investment—he invested himself in those he loved, especially his family. He loved people and his life touched so many others as he mentored, taught, counseled, laughed, cried and above all encouraged those he loved.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ray of Goodlettsville, TN; Son- Steve Ray (Susan Smartt) of Goodlettsville, TN; Daughter-Deborah Bratcher (Ben) of Goodlettsville, TN; Grandchildren-Drew Bratcher (Emily) of Wheaton, Ill, Blake Bratcher (Christa) of Brentwood, TN, Chad Ray (Hannah) of Hendersonville, TN, Chase Ray of Springfield, TN; Great Grandchildren-Beckett Bratcher, Helena Bratcher, Rosie Bratcher, Parker Avery Bratcher, Georgia Bratcher; Brother-Harles Ray (Janis) of Hardy, KY, Sister-Dorothy Bolton (Bob) of Van Wert, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents- Enos and Elmay Ray; and three brothers-Ervin Ray, Gene Ray, and Ronnie Ray.
Visitation will be on Saturday, August 1 at 2:00 pm until 8 pm and Sunday, August 2 at 2 pm until 4 pm. Services will be on Sunday, August 2 at 4 pm with burial to follow. Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
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