Mr. Jewell Ray Tenpenny, 91, of McMinnville passed from this life on Monday, March 13, 2023 at Ascension St. Thomas River Park Hospital. He was born on Aug. 30, 1931 in McMinnville, was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and was a member of the Church of Christ at East End. He was a retired teacher of Biology having taught at Freed-Hardeman University and Warren County High School, was a graduate of Tennessee Bible College in Cookeville, and preached at a few congregations around the community. Ray loved his church family and they loved him dearly in return. He treasured the times he spent with his fishing buddy Clyde West, whom he sat with at church. He enjoyed reading the Bible and read it from beginning to end 68 times. He appreciated the time he spent walking at the mall, working in the garden and working in the yard. He was a humble man and enjoyed others and giving to others.

Mr. Tenpenny was preceded in death by his parents, William Hall and Emma Belle McGregor Tenpenny; wife, Geneva Crouch Tenpenny (the love of his life for 48 years); brothers, J.B. Tenpenny and Aubrey Allen Tenpenny; half-brother, Woodrow W. Tenpenny; sisters, Ruby Tenpenny, Treva Tenpenny and Geneva Tenpenny; sisters-in-law, Nancy Crouch and Geneva Crouch; and brothers-in-law, Leonard Crouch, Hoyt Crouch, Marvin Crouch, Jr. and Ray Crouch. Survivors include his sister, Robbie G. Sockwell; brother-in-law, Don (Jane) Crouch; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Crouch (Winfred) Murphy, June Crouch, and Wanda Crouch; and several nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Funeral service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, March 16 in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel.  Bro. Kevin Key and Bro. Jason Gann will officiate. Interment will follow at Bethany Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday and again from noon. until the time of service on Thursday at McMinnville Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Church of Christ.

McMinnville Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Tenpenny family.

Southern Standard

(McMinnville, Tenn.) March 15, 2023