Ray was born on July 16, 1942, in the small town of Denmark, Tennessee, to William Parris Hardee and Mary Hardee Walters. He was one of seven children, along with his brothers and sisters Mary Anna Hardee Huckaba, William Archie Hardee, Charles Paris Hardee, Shirley Mai Hardee Jones, George Philip Hardee, and David Richard Hardee.
Ray loved his family more than anything and always showed a kind and generous heart. He was the kind of person who would help anyone whenever he could and was always willing to give to anyone in need.
Ray served in the United States Army with the 20th Engineer Battalion from 1959 to 1962 and was honorably discharged.
He was a truck driver by profession, spending many years driving over the road and working hard to provide for his family before retiring at the age of 62. But one of Ray’s true passions was music. He loved country music and loved telling stories about the many country songs he wrote and sent to Nashville over the years. He loved telling stories and talking about old Mexico.
Ray leaves behind his four children, John Wesley Hardee, Terrie Hardee Berkley, James Travis Hardee, and Johnathan Bradley Hardee, along with his favorite companion, Bailey his dog.
He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Sara Hardee, Asheigh Wade, Michelle Nicole Berkley, Darian A. Berkley Hudson, James Dylan Hardee, Parker Bradley Hardee, Logan Colvin, and Cassandra Solis; his great-grandchildren, Airiana Clark, Malachi Clark, Marli Patrick, Makayleigh Wade, and James Dawson Hardee; and his great-great-grandchild, Maleah Baker.
Papa Ray will be remembered for his love of family, his generosity toward others, the stories he loved to tell, and the music that was always a part of his life. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 2812 North Highland Avenue, Jackson, Tennessee 38305. With The Funeral beginning at 12 noon and Committal immediately following at Denmark Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Denmark. TN.
