Ray Newton Casteel

Nov 20, 2008

Ray Newton Casteel, 69, of Niota, died Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008, in Athens.

A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Wilmer Ray and Vila Jane Ditmore Casteel. He was retired from Thomas and Betts and was a member of Valley Road Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Rachel Yvonne Raper Casteel of Niota; one son and daughter-in-law, Anthony Ray and Karen Francis Casteel of Calhoun; one daughter and son-in-law, Robin Renee and Ali Zarnehei of Athens; one grandson, Ryan Shelbee Zarnehei; two brothers and sisters-in-law, the Rev. Raymond and Joyce Casteel of Riceville, and Donald and Opal Casteel of Athens; one sister, Joyce Stamey of Chattanooga; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Dave Coffman and the Rev. Jack Nunley officiating. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Valley Road Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Eddie Blankenship, Tony Jackson, Douglas Jackson, Greg Ditmore, Roger Moore and David Slack.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Road Baptist Church, 766 County Road 187, Athens, TN 37303.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.