Mr. Laurel Ray Ryan, age 83 of Oliver Springs, passed away Wednesday April 29, 2026, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville. He was born on August 29, 1942, in Pine Knot, Kentucky and was raised in the Morgan County areas of Gobey and Wartburg. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling/off roading, and just being out in nature. He was a welder by trade, and if he fixed it, it lasted. Everyone knew him for his ability to “MacGyver” anything he needed to and make it work, along with his special ways to pronounce everyday words.

He is proceeded in death by his parents: Herbert and Reba Ryan of Wartburg.

Brother: Carnet Ryan of Wartburg.

Sisters and brothers-in-law: Iris and Billy Thompson of Petros and Greta and Tommy Pennycuff of Wartburg.

And one Niece: Teresa Lowe of Wartburg.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years: Mary Thornton Ryan of Oliver Springs.

Daughter and son-in-law: Brenda & Jeff Cate of Harriman.

Grandson: Johnathan Cate and his fiancé Samantha Lanning of Oak Ridge.

Sister-in-law: Shirley Ryan of Wartburg.

Nieces: Kathy Bunch of Oak Ridge and Angie Osborne of Wartburg.

And one Nephew: Tim Pennycuff of Birmingham, Alabama.

The family would like to give a special thanks to EMT of Anderson County, the medical team at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and Davis Funeral Home.

The family will meet at Morgan Memorial Gardens on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 12:00 Noon for a Graveside Service with Pastor Will Gouge officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Harriman Lions Club or Area 5 Roane County Special Olympians in his honor, would be a blessing.

Davis Funeral Home in Wartburg is honored to serve the family of Mr. Laurel Ray Ryan.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.davisfuneralhomes.com