LOCAL OBITUARY | Raymond H. Rader, known as Ray to his friends and family, age 84, passed away peacefully with family at his side on February 1, 2025.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 2, 1940, Ray was the fourth of eight children to the late Carl WJ and Gertrude (Wagner) Rader. According to his family, he grew up in a family full of love and learned early a strong work ethic, which he carried all his life. As a young man, Ray loved God and was baptized into Christ Jesus, his Lord and Savior.

Ray worked at Wagner Brake in St Louis from 1959 to 1981 and achieved two years of college. In the many years as a dedicated employee, he moved his way into upper management and was transferred to Wagner Brake in Tullahoma in 1981 where he worked until 2003, when he opted to retired. He greatly enjoyed his 44 years of various positions and departments as well as working with all the employees.

According to his family, Ray greatly loved his country, God, his loving wife of 40 years, his children and grandchildren, his siblings and all the family. As Dad & Pops to his children, whom he was so proud of, or as Granpa & PaPac to his grandchildren, he was protective, devoted, funny, dearly loved, always present, supportive, guiding and teaching. He had a big heart and his love was unconditional.

His family remembers him as the best husband/soulmate a woman could ask for; a special one-of-a-kind man, strong, proud, loving, kind, caring, young-at-heart and very smart, a man of many talents. Ray was a beloved brother, brother-in-law, uncle and a friend to many, always ready to help. Ray loved life, but his greatest passion was sharing time with his family. He was humble, down-to-earth and genuine. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee and a cold beer. Ray enjoyed his cats, a good laugh, music, people and making others smile. He also enjoyed woodworking, home projects, firearms and mechanics. He had a great sense of humor. Ray was adventurous and loved the outdoors; especially riding his Harley, camping or being on his tractor. Ray was always in good spirits, even when he felt bad or as his health failed. He always gave a smile, a laugh or a hug. With his presence and full life, Ray was a blessing and has forever impacted his family’s lives and filled our family with cherished memories, warmth and great love. “We can rejoice knowing Jesus is beside Ray, and in peace, Ray will live forever in our hearts and souls,” his family said.

Ray is survived by his wife, Paula, two daughters: Debbie (Marty) Robinson and Karen Rader, three sons: Ray Rader Jr., Keith (Carrie) Rader and Matthew (Samantha) Rader. He also leaves behind two brothers: Larry (Carol) Rader, Terry (Joyce) Rader and two sisters: Olive Jean Walker and Pauline Harvey. Ray had 24 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon (Rader) Barteau, sister Gertrude “Sally” (Rader) Freant, two brothers: Carl (Barb) Rader Jr., and Robert Rader.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Manchester Funeral Home located at 786 McMinnville Highway in Manchester on Saturday, February 22 from 12 to 3 p.m. A private family burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. •

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