Lieutenant Colonel Benny Ray “Ray” Adkins, a dedicated military veteran and respected community leader, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, at the age of 82. A lifelong servant of his country and his community, Ray leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and faith that stretched from Chattanooga to Washington, Germany, and Bosnia.
A proud graduate of Central High School, Class of 1961, Ray went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He served his nation with honor for 36 years in the United States Army and Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After his military career, Ray continued his lifelong commitment to service through his work and volunteer leadership across Tennessee. He retired from the Hamilton County Courts after 13 years and from Sunshine Biscuit Company after 29 years of dedicated service.
Ray’s many honors reflected his deep devotion to veterans and community. Among them, he was named Veteran of the Year (2017), received the Hometown Patriot Award (2018), and was honored with the Ray Adkins Interchange designation by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2021.
One of his proudest contributions was his work with the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, where he served on the Advisory Board and played an integral role in its creation and completion.
Ray and his wife, Charlotte, were devoted members of Lookout Valley Baptist Church, where they served faithfully in various ministries. He was also a proud Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4848 and the American Legion Post 14.
A devoted husband, family man, and friend, Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His unwavering faith, integrity, and love for others will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Dimple Adkins, and his brother Kenneth Adkins.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Charlotte Ellison Adkins; sister Doris Adkins Ellis; nieces Cara (Jonathon) Woolsey, Vicki (James) Goldsmith, and Dawn (Carl) Beard; nephews Kenny (Amy) Adkins; goddaughter Keli (Marcus) Cooper; sister-in-law Jayne Ellison Harbour; brothers-in-law Randy Ellison and Michael Ellison; great-nieces and nephews Tim (Kat) Goldsmith, Olivia Goldsmith, Michael (Macy) Adkins, Ellison (Josh) Beard, and Connor (Rachel) Beard; and a wide circle of beloved friends and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Lookout Valley Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, and again at the church prior to the service starting at 10am. He will be laid to rest in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors following the service.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are B.B Bell, Ben Cagle, Mickey McCamish, Sen. Todd Gardenhire, John Davenport, Joe Galloway, Jonathan Woolsey, Chip Henderson, Weston Wamp, Austin Garrett, Randy Ellison, Michael Ellison, Kenny Adkins, Michael Adkins, Linda Moss Mines, Harvey Brisson, Earl Freudenberg and Jim Ashley.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ray’s memory can be made to the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center or a veteran's organization of your choice.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Ray at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd, East
Ridge, TN 37412.
