Mr. Ray Louis Masters, age 87 of Sparta, passed away at 8:53 am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

Ray was born November 15, 1938 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late Grady and Linnie Ann Roberts Masters. He worked as a forklift mechanic for over 30 years keeping various factories' fleets of forklifts operational. He faithfully served 35 years as a Deacon at Bethel Baptist Church. Ray enjoyed gardening and working in his dirt, but above all else, he loved being Papa to his family.

In addition to his parents, Ray is also preceded in death by his sister Sue Lohorn and brother Billy Masters.

Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years Dean Odell Masters

Daughter: Donna Masters Sawyer

Grandson: Chad Cantrell and wife Dana

Granddaughter: Dena Cantrell

Great-grandchildren: Devin, Leah, Adalynn and Michael

Sisters in law: Liz Odell and Diane Masters

Brothers in law: Harold Odell and Ronnie Lohorn

A host of nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00pm Sunday, December 7, 2025 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 10:00am Sunday at Hunter Funeral Home. Avery Brown will officiate.

Michael Wilson, Roger Wilson, Darryl Lohorn, Jamie Lohorn, Jody Odell and Danny Odell will serve the family as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Dale Hall and Junior Blaylock.