Verlan Ray Horne

Verlan Ray Horne, 89, of Blountville, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023. Born on October 22, 1933, in Banner, VA; Ray was the son of James and Lilly (McCoy) Horne. Ray worked for Clinchfield Coal Company at Moss #3 and drove a bus transporting men to the mines. He began work in the trucking industry with R.L. Stencil in Florida and would eventually make his way back to Tennessee to work for Time D.C. He was an owner/operator from 1978-1995, at which point he would retire. He would go on to work as a diesel mechanic and driver for a 20th century coach and Jericho Shrine.

Ray was a lifelong and dedicated member of Coeburn Masonic Lodge #97 for over 60 years. He was also a member of Whiteside Masonic Lodge #13 of Blountville, TN; Order of the Eastern Star of Bluff City, TN; Jericho Shrine of Kingsport, TN Post Potentate 2012; Royal Arche Masons of Kingsport, TN for 50 years; Kingsport Commandry #33; Knights Templar of Kingsport, TN; Grand Council Cryptic Masons of Kingsport- Kingsport Council #117 and the Royal Order of Jesters of Kingsport, TN Court #183.

Ray was well-known and cherished not only within his community, but also across the country; he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Joy Lee Cassell Horne.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 32 years, Donna K. Horne; son, Roy Horne (Carol) of Harpers Ferry, WV; daughters, Debbie Baker of Bristol, TN, Sarah Kilgore (Scott) of Wise, VA Teresa Gatzke of Monroe, MI,; grandchildren, Morgan Horne Croson (Ryan), Forrest Baker (Alana), Eric Hamilton (Tiffany), Marc Hamilton, Kayson Hamilton and 3 grandchildren in Michigan; and special friend, Wayne Woods.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm in the chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. A masonic service will be provided by Whiteside Masonic Lodge #13 of Blountville, TN at 7:00pm, followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Todd Monroe. A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Emory United Methodist Church Cemetery. Those who wish to travel in procession to the service are asked to meet at the funeral home by 11:00 am.

Pallbearers will be members of the director’s staff at Jericho Shrine and Wayne Woods.

Honorary pallbearers will be road runners of the Jericho Shrine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shriners Children’s Hospitals, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 or 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.