Karen Gresham Ray

Karen was a member of Redemption Church and served much of her professional life as a nurse. In her lifetime of dutiful service as a private nurse, she held a strong leadership role over a team of nurses that proudly provided around the clock care for countless patients. Her kindness and compassion led her to be very successful in her career, and she was very proud to be an LPN.

Karen is preceded in death by her husband Gene Ray, her mother Kathryn Ailene Reynolds Smith, and her father John Ross Gresham Sr. She is also preceded in death by her grandparents, Aubrey and Willie Reynolds, and John and Lillian Gresham.

Karen was the beloved sister of seven brothers, by whom she is survived by: Jerry L. (Charlene) Gresham of Knoxville, TN, Taylor H. (Brenda) Smith of Charlotte, NC, Channing V. (Karen) Smith of Chandler, AZ, Weston A. Smith of Knoxville, TN, John Ross (Laura) Gresham II of Knoxville, TN, Clyde Kent (Sandy) Gresham of Knoxville, TN, and Roy Henderson Gresham, of Knoxville, TN. She is also survived by her very loved and adored nieces and nephews, all 26 of them.

A visitation for Karen will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 PM, with the entombment to follow in the Chapel Alcove Mausoleum at Berry Highland West. Services will be officiated by Rev. Steven Gresham.

The funeral service will be live-streamed through the Berry Highland West Facebook page for anyone unable to attend the services in person.