Ray Emerson White

Ray Emerson White, age 68, of Sidonia, TN entered into the kingdom of Heaven at Vanderbilt Medical Center on January 14, 2026.

Ray was born on December 4, 1957, to Connie and Orpha White and would say that he lived his whole life in Sidonia, TN, though he spent some of his youth in Chicago. He worked at MTD Products, where he was the supervisor of the straight side press department, for almost 38 years, working hard to ensure his family was always well supported. An avid sports fan as well as an athlete in his younger days, he loved (and was perpetually frustrated by) the Vols, attending many football games to cheer them on. In addition to sports, he enjoyed fishing, working on cars, vacationing in the Smoky Mountains, and spending time with his family.

Ray loved talking and never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, stopping to fix flat tires, carrying injured kids to find their parents, donating toys to survivors of a house fire, and pulling injured passengers from wrecks. Where others would turn the other way, he would spring into action, always the helper, always the protector. Those in his orbit felt seen and cared for. A pillar of strength, he was proud of what he worked for as well as the accomplishments of his children. Above all, he took the role of head of the family seriously, always striving to take care of the ones he loved.

Ray is survived by his wife of nearly 45 years, Betty (Pence) White. He also leaves behind three children and eleven grandchildren: daughter Kristy (Kegan) Reilly of Knoxville and granddaughters Cora and Adeline; son Brad (Monica) White of Martin and grandchildren Dru, Katie Beth, Luke, Clara Jane, Kade and Everly Rae; and daughter Kayla (Jonathon) Duke of Knoxville and grandchildren Eloise, Harbor and Mila. Additionally, he is survived by five sisters, Winnie, Linda, Peggy, Sherry, and Lisa as well as two brothers Ed and Dave. He is preceded in death by his parents, as well as brother Don.

Please join us in celebrating his life at Murphy Funeral Home in Martin, TN on Sunday January 18, 2026, at 2pm, with visitation beginning at 12pm. Burial to follow at Tansil Cemetery, and then there will be a reception held at The Lord's Church, 1450 Stella Ruth Rd, Martin, TN 38237, where all friends and family are invited to fellowship, share stories, laugh and cry. As he would say, we’re not promised tomorrow, so let’s live today.

Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121