J. Ray Emory, age 73, of Butler, Tennessee, passed away December 29, 2020. Mr. Emory was born in Rockwood. After decades of work in the petroleum industry he retired as Vice President of Health and Safety from a major energy corporation.  He is survived by his wife of 21 years: Patricia M. Emory; daughters: LaDonna Gardner (Drew) of Duluth, Shannon E. Blackburn (Todd) of Clarkesville, and Courtney Emory (Jerri) of Hoschton; siblings: Robert Emory (Jo Ann) of Kingston, Charles Emory (Linda) of Ooltewah, and Anna Curbow of Jonesborough; and grandchildren: Taylor Jones, Bryce Jones, Aiden Gardner, Ainsley Gardner, Seth Blackburn, Sydney Blackburn, Sam Blackburn, Sophie Blackburn, Sabrina Blackburn, and Avery Fowler. The family asks in lieu of flowers please make a donation to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.  The family is planning a celebration at a later date.