Memphis, TN, - Clarence Raymond "Ray" Ransom, Jr., 65, of Memphis passed away Monday, December 5, 2016 at his home. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Janice Ransom; sister, Charlotte Ransom; nephew Aaron Rogan; and is survived by his high school sweetheart, Nancy Rogan Ransom, wife of 43 years; children, Matthew Ransom (Christy) of Cordova, Meredith Simpson (Tim) of Cordova and Mallory Spell (Graham) of Dallas, TX; sister, Mary Ransom Stewart (Chuck) of Germantown; grandchildren, Lily, Allie, Hailey and Molly Simpson; Matthew, Micah, and Lydia Ransom; brother-in-law Mark Rogan (Jenny) of Memphis; nieces, Angie Forester, Diana Nicholas and nephew, Sean Rogan. He was a retired band director and music educator for 32 years, an assistant principal for eight years, and currently an adjunct professor in the music department at Southwest Tennessee Community College. He was a guest conductor in 13 states and a USBands national adjudicator. Ray graduated from White Station High School in 1969 and Memphis State University in 1973 (B.M.E.) and 1979 (M.E.). He was a member of the Tennessee All- State Band, 1966- 1969. He was a charter member of the Memphis Youth Symphony and a former member of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Memphis Symphony Chorus. An avid sports fan, Ray was a baseball umpire and basketball referee for many years. Ray was a faithful member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church for 30 years, where he served as deacon and played French horn in the orchestra. He also served at the Memphis Union Mission and was on the board of directors at Restoration Path. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2016 and a funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2016. Both visitation and funeral will be held at Kirby Woods Baptist Church, 6325 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119 under the direction of Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens-Bartlett, TN. Donations in his memory can be sent to Kirby Woods Baptist Church, Memphis Union Mission, and Restoration Path. Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens (Published in The Commercial Appeal on Dec. 8, 2016)