Ray Norris Motley

Ray Norris Motley, 83, of Bowling Green, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, at his home.

Funeral services for Ray will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Church in Bowling Green with Rev. Frank Welch officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Mt. Zion Church.

Ray was born December 24, 1940, in Rockport, Illinois to George Frederick and Dola Pearl (Dixon) Motley. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Hammett on May 10, 1958, in Bowling Green. She survives.

Also surviving are children, Ray Jr. Motley (Carol), Brenda Lee Hurd (Ronnie), and Becky Johnson; grandchildren: Matthew Motley (Heather), Nick Motley (Nikki), Christina Hoskins, Samantha Elledge (Ryan), Mandy Murray (Boston), and Mike Johnson (Megan); great-grandchildren: Landon Motley, Grayson Motley, Haylee Motley, Nicholas Motley, Dillon Elledge, Megan Elledge, Katelynn Sagastume, Emilee Hoskins, William Hoskins, Tayler Johnson, Logan Johnson, Leland Johnson, Kolton Johnson, and Kinsley Johnson; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
Ray was preceded in death by son, Thomas Lee Motley; and siblings: Fred Bolton (Mary), Clarence Motley, George Motley, Lora Elizabeth Boots (Walter), Earnest Motley (Flora), Raymond Motley (Mary), Elmer Motley (Ester), Mary Preston (Mack Lee Sr.), Roy Motley (Nellie), Willie Motley, Paul Motley (Dorothy), and Howard Motley (Mildred).

Ray lived with his family in Illinois until he was six years old, at which time the family moved to Louisiana, Missouri. The family later bought a farm and relocated to Bowling Green where Ray has resided ever since. Once out of school, Ray farmed with his dad until he eventually went to work at the Pike County Highway Department where he spent the next 37 years until his retirement in 2000.

Ray loved to go deer hunting and fishing in his free time. He also enjoyed camping with the family. The whole family would go to a different camping location every year. Ray also liked to travel. He enjoyed working on old tractors and cars and could fix most anything he put his mind to. Ray was always happiest when his family was around.

Pallbearers will be Matt Motley, Nick Motley, Bill Hammett Jr., Mandy Murray, Chrissy Hoskins, and Samantha Elledge. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Johnson and the great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery.