Ray Canada

Ray Canada was a man who lived his life one hole at a time. Ray was born in Bogota, TN and raised in Elbridge, TN. He attended UT Martin where he played basketball and the University of TN Knoxville where he played baseball. In Knoxville he met his beautiful wife Lucille. They were married for 68 years. He loved playing golf, was an avid bowler and enjoyed being with his family. He was also a great basketball player and known as "Baldy" to his closest friends. He served in the US Navy as a Radioman Third Class in World War II and died a hero to his nation and to his family. He taught school at Cloverdale High School in TN where he also coached baseball and basketball and later worked for 20 years at Zenith Radio in Chicago, IL where he retired. He also worked another 20 years at GoodYear in Union City, TN where he retired.

Ray left behind a legacy of four children: Linda Graveen of Garnett, KS; Thelma Fisher and her husband Marshall of Brandon, Mississippi; Ray Canada and his wife Mary of Versailles, KY; and Rob Canada and his wife Amy of DeSoto, Missouri. He had seven grandchildren: Shane Fisher and his wife Brittany, Jason Canada and his life partner Joe, Amanda Allison and her husband Davy, Chris Canada, Grady Fisher and his wife Meghan, Bethany Canada and Hunter Canada. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren Jason Allison, Jacob Allison and Nash Fisher.

Ray Canada was a man of few words whose rich heritage of love will not be forgotten by those around him. He passed away peacefully at home in Garnett, KS, on June 29, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gertrude (Pratt) and Jasper Newton Canada and a sister Thelma Irene Canada Houston.

Funeral service will be 2 pm on Sunday, July 2 at the Mt. Zion Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will also be at the Mt. Zion Church from 1 pm Sunday until the hour of service.