Pratts Community-Nathan A. Ray age 83, died Friday January 23, 2026 at his home after an extended illness. He was a past employee of NMMC, assistant Mgr. at Lowes for 6 years and a member of the East MT Zion Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He enjoyed Fishing, Bowling, Camping and reading westerns. He enjoyed wood working where he made cabinets, and anything wood. He was a 32 degree mason and was Master for 4 years.
Services will be Saturday January 31, 2026 at 12 Noon at Waters Funeral Home with Bro. Acy Barber and Bro. Bill Adams officiating. Burial will be in the East Mt. Zion Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Janie Hood Ray of Pratts; one daughter Benita Hankins & Scott of Coldwater MS; one sister Gladys Henry of Saltillo; one brother Robert Ray of Kirkville;, 3 grandchildren Taylor Hankins, Jared Hankins and Meghan and Justin Hankins and Elizabeth, 4 great-grandchildren Wes Hankins & Lachlyn, Cohen Hankins, Maelyn Hankins and Louie Hankins, one great-great-grandchild Iris Elizabeth Hankins.
He is preceded in death by his Parents Jessie D & Ruthie Humphries Ray.
Pallbearers include Scott Hankins, Larry Hood, Randy Hood, Greg Hood, Tim Johnson, Joe Roberts, Taylor Hankins, Jared Hankins and Justin Hankins.
Visitation will be Saturday January 31, 2026 from 10:30 until service time at noon.
In lieu of Flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @ www.watersfuneralservice.com
