Herb Ray Coursey

Herb Ray Coursey, 73, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on April 5, 2026. Born on December 14, 1952, in Winchester, Tennessee, Herb was the son of the late Leland and Annie Coursey. He was one of three siblings, and from the very beginning he carried the kind of humorous, hard-working, patient, and adventurous spirit that drew people in and kept them smiling. After this introduction, anyone who knew him knew “Herb” as a true social butterfly—someone who never met a stranger and could talk to anybody, anywhere, anytime.

Herb graduated from Soddy Daisy High School in 1971. Growing up, he spent his childhood playing baseball and being outdoors hunting and fishing—simple joys that stayed with him for a lifetime and helped shape the calm, steady presence so many came to rely on.

A dedicated worker throughout his life, Herb worked at DuPont and Card-Monroe for several years. In 1992, he took a bold step and started his own business with his brother, Triple “C” Torch and Regulator Repair—an endeavor that reflected his hard-working nature and pride in doing things the right way. He retired in 2015, but his energy for staying busy and keeping things in order never really slowed down.

On August 4, 1973, Herb married Deb Kilgore. Together they raised one son and built a life centered on family, laughter, and making the most of every season. Summers often meant Daytona Beach and Fall Creek Falls, along with common day trips to the lake. Herb especially enjoyed dove hunting and fishing with his son—time spent side by side, doing what he loved most with someone he loved even more.

Herb’s interests were as lively as his personality. He loved attending car shows, Rodrun in Pigeon Forge, and watching Dale Earnhardt race. Every year, he looked forward to a guy trip to the NASCAR race in Talladega. He also loved working and cleaning his cars, keeping everything organized, maintained, and just the way he liked it. Many afternoons found him in his “mancave,” tinkering, socializing, and watching TV—content in the everyday moments that he made feel special. And true to his adventurous side, Herb loved to ride all the rollercoasters at amusement parks, never passing up the chance for a little thrill and a big laugh.

Known as the life of the party, Herb was always cracking jokes and always calm, even when others weren’t. He loved adventures, and just as importantly, he loved people. He had a gift for leaving others feeling lighter than when they arrived—because he genuinely cared, and because humor was one of the ways he showed it.

A special thank you is extended to the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga, especially Rochelle, for the great care they gave Herb.

Herb always made sure to tell everyone that he loved them, and he made sure you left the house smiling. That is the kind of legacy that lasts—steady, joyful, and uplifting, carried forward in every story shared, every laugh remembered, and every moment of love expressed without hesitation.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leland Stanford Coursey, Jr. and Annie Lee Ellis Coursey from Hixson and his sister, Ava C. Connelly of Hixson.

Here to continue Herb's legacy are his wife of 52 years, Debra Kilgore Coursey; son, Billy Ray Coursey; brother, Steve Coursey of Whitwell, TN; brother-in-law, Ron Connelly of Hixson, TN; niece, Paige (Eric) Lyman; great-nephew, Hayden Lyman; great-nieces, Julianna Lyman "Herb's Angel" and Annaliese Lyman, and many extended family and friends.

A visitation for Herb will be Sunday, April 12, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel. Then on Monday, April 13th a continued visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

A celebration of Herb's Life will be Monday, April 13th at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel with Pastor Jayme Eggert officiating.

Family and friends will then proceed to Hamilton Memorial Gardens for the committal following the service.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com