William Ray Allen, born October 4, 1965, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, surrounded by his adoring family. He was welcomed into Heaven by many loving family members, united with two sons, Timothy Ray and William Andrew, and one grandbaby. He is reunited with his in-laws, George and Geraldine Brown, and grandparents Willie and Dorothy Allen, and Paul and Virginia Riner.
Ray is survived by the love of his life, Gail, married in 1986. He is the most loving, wonderful Daddy to Stephanie, April, John (Sophia), and Heather Allen, and special “Papaw” to Jonathan, Elaina, and Louisa Allen. Ray is a devoted and caring son to Kenneth and Glenna Allen, his faithful and loving parents.
To know Ray is to know his love for God, the Bible, his family, church, teaching, pastoring, hard work, helping others, and playing with his grandchildren. He is the most selfless man, always looking out for and caring for others, putting their needs above his own. Everyone who knows him is blessed to call him friend.
Ray lived his life in service to the Lord. He preached for over thirty-five years, and pastored for thirteen years at Riner’s Tabernacle Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN. His church family came second only to his own.
He had a love for teaching, as he taught for over thirty years at a few different schools: City Baptist High School, Northeast State Community College, and Tennessee Avenue Christian Academy. He didn’t just convey knowledge, he reached hearts.
Ray battled cancer for over eight years. Though he was in constant pain, he never once complained. He is a willing vessel who allows God to continually use him and his journey to point others to Christ. He is the strongest and most courageous man we know. Ray was a fighter, and with the help of God, he finally got to ring that bell — a golden bell!
Visitation will be Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Riner’s Tabernacle Baptist Church in Kingsport, with service to follow. Pastor John Allen, Pastor Steve Cape and Brother Wally Ford officiating. Music provided by the Ray Allen Family. Graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers: Steve Brown, Duane Allen, Andy Riner, Scott Reaves, Daniel Hamilton, Gary Hunley, Wendell Lowe, and Larry Cox.
Honorary Pallbearers: Elder Kenneth Allen, Jonathan Allen, Jerry Sluss, Ellis Johnston, Elder Wally Ford, Slempy Skeen, and Stuart Sutherland.
