Ray Louis Masters, 87, of Sparta, passed away Dec. 2, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.
Ray was born Nov. 15, 1938, in Sparta, to 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 was preceded in death by his sister, Sue Lohorn, and his 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, Michael; sisters-in-law, Liz Odell, Diane Masters; brothers-in-law, Harold Odell, Ronnie Lohorn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was 2 p.m., Dec. 7, 2025, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Old Zion Cemetery. Avery Brown officiated.
Michael Wilson, Roger Wilson, Darryl Lohorn, Jamie Lohorn, Jody Odell, and Danny Odell served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Dale Hall and Junior Blaylock.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
