James Ray Heck

"Ray" Heck, devoted husband, father, and papaw, passed into the arms of his loving Savior during the early morning hours of May 19, 2017. He was a member of the Christian Academy Baptist Church of Speedwell, TN, where his son Larry W. Heck serves as Sr. pastor. Ray, moreover, was a veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces (Airborne). Having left the military in 1965, he moved to Michigan, where he married the love of his life Lucette Runions, their marriage lasting for fifty one years-a testament to their enduring love and lasting commitment.

Ray retired from Ford Motor Company in Monroe Michigan in 1980. He returned to his hometown of Speedwell, where he enjoyed farming and raising cattle.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Junior and Ruby as well as infant sister Loraine. He is survived by his loving wife Lucy Heck, sons Billy Ray (Tuesday) Heck of Speedwell, TN, Pastor Larry (Connie) Heck of Lafollette, TN; three grandsons Jamie and Dalton Heck of Speedwell, TN, and Jacob Heck of Lafollette, TN; his special brothers and sisters Neal and Charlotte Brooks of Erie Michigan, Ron and Anna Jo Sweat of Ida Michigan; his sister Jacqueline (Dusty) Rhodes of Speedwell, TN, Judy Curtis of Goshen, Ohio, brother Charlie Heck of Speedwell, TN; a host of nieces and nephews, and a very special church family.

Visitation will be held at the Christian Academy Baptist Church of Speedwell from 2-8 PM on Monday, May 22, 2017. The funeral service, including full military honors, will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 11 AM at Christian Academy Baptist Church, with the burial taking place afterwards at the Ray Heck Cemetery located at 444 Dividing Ridge Road, Speedwell, TN.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the family.

Reece Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Please visit www.reecefh.com to send condolences and view forthcoming digital memorial or call 423-869-3651.