Ray Nunn

Donald Ray Nunn

July 27, 1935 - August 1, 2024

Donald “Ray” Nunn, age 89 of Monroe, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Monroe Springs Nursing Center.

Ray was born July 27, 1935, in Claiborne County, Tennessee to the late Forester and Alta (Rowlett) Nunn. He grew up on a tobacco farm until the age of 18 when he met the love of his life, Betty Sue Adams. They were married on December 27, 1954 and moved north to Michigan where they raised their only child, Donna. They spent over 68 wonderful years together before Sue sadly passed away in 2023.

Ray was a hardworking and self-made man. After moving to Michigan, it didn’t take long before his entrepreneurial spirit kicked in. Ray started his own pool business, Ray’s Swimming Pool’s, in 1964 installing countless pools while running a storefront for over 50 years.

He went on to open a motorsports dealership where his work ethic earned him the #3 ranking in the world for sales. Through his success at the dealership, he was able to travel the world with his wife Sue. Some of his favorite trips included Japan, Germany, and of course, Vegas.

He had a passion for big rigs so naturally, he turned that into a business too. Ray’s Trucking allowed him to travel the country, many times accompanied by his wife and sometimes even his granddaughters.

Ray made his business’ a family a fair so anyone who wanted could learn the ropes. He was eager to share his wisdom with the ones he loved, often putting family and friends on the payroll. And those who solely started as employees, soon became friends and family to Ray.

He also loved working with his hands, building his family their forever home from scratch with enough land for a barn filled with Tennessee Walker horses - his favorites.

Ray was also an active member of his community. He was a Mason and Shriner member where he served faithfully for 50 years.

In his free time, Ray loved being outside – boating, snowmobiling, riding his motorcycle, and perfecting his jackknife dives were just a few of his favorites.

Ray knew how to have a good time and always made sure his friends did too. He was known for throwing the best backyard parties and never passed a card table without pulling up a seat. And if you’ve sat across from Ray in a Euchre game, you know about his infamous sayings – or ‘Rayisms’ as his loved ones liked to call them. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

To cherish his memory, Ray leaves behind his daughter Donna (Dan) Schultz. Granddaughters Kaylee Rae Schultz and Gemma Suzanne (Devon) McVettie. Great Granddaughter, Leida James McVettie. Brother, Jimmy (Roberta) Nunn, sister, June Marie (Rexter) Chadwell. Also survived by sister-in-law: Beula Brooks, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife Sue Nunn; brothers: John and Claude Nunn; and sister: Evelyn Sivils.

Family and Friends are welcome to visit Rupp Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 1 pm until the time of service at 6 pm. Burial will take place on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Meador Cemetery in Harrogate, TN starting at 11 am for committal prayers.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com