Nancy Ellen Sullivan Ray was called home on January 4, 2026. Nancy was born on March 20, 1935, to Claude M. and Lillian Wright Sullivan in Washington Co. Virginia.

She was graduated from William King High School in Abingdon and Radford University with a degree in Business Education. After teaching in Virginia, she came to UTK and earned a graduate degree and taught before she met and married her devoted husband Dr. John R. Ray in 1966. Nancy and John enjoyed and participated in 41 years of activities associated with the university. She was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. Nancy was a past President of the Knoxville Nativity Pageant (1979) and active in AAUW and UTK Faculty Women.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Sam Sullivan of Abingdon and her sister Anne S. Harvey and husband Dr. C. Thomas Harvey of Danville, VA.

She is survived by a nephew Dr. Eric Harvey (Kristin) of Mars Hill, NC and a niece Amy K. Holtzman (Chris) of Leesburg, VA, several great nieces and nephews, special cousins and neighborhood "grandchildren."

The family wishes to give special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and Your Home Team Care. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to CSPC Mission Fund 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923 or the John and Nancy Sullivan Ray Scholarship, Radford University, University Advancement, P.O. Box 6915, Radford VA 24142.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Knollkreg Memorial Park & Cremation Gardens, 556 Walden Road, NE, Abingdon, VA 24210 with the Reverend Richard Jerkins officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to arrive by 12:45 P.M.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Nancy Ellen Sullivan Ray.