Morris Ray McCain passed from this life into eternal rest on February 10, 2026. Born March 18, 1949, Ray spent his childhood through early adult years in Mt. Pleasant, TN, where he met and married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Gail Jones McCain. From Mt. Pleasant to Charleston, SC and back to Mt. Pleasant, they celebrated 57 beautiful years of marriage having three daughters, seven grandchildren, and four (soon to be six) great-grandchildren.

Ray began his working life by joining the Army National Guard. He then held a variety of jobs in several different chemical plants, moving up through the ranks to ultimately end up as purchasing manager at Cytec in Mt. Pleasant. He and Gail also had a rental property business that they ran together.

But who was Ray? Dairy farmer. Dirt bike rider. Airplane pilot. Car dealer. Story teller. Mechanic. Inventor. Singer. Banjo and guitar picker. Dog lover. Fisherman. He was all of those things, but most importantly, he was a Christian husband, father, and family man. He was “Papaw” to everyone!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Sara McCain, sister, Betty Ann McCain, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gail McCain, daughter Andrea (Jimmy) Peyton, daughter Christy Langford, daughter Mary (Roger) Hay, sister Terry (Rickey) Massey, and sisters-in-law Connie Cathey and Vickie Pratt. Ray’s grandchildren, Katie Peyton, Lauren (Chris) Baldwin, Jonathan (Emily) Peyton, Caroline (Connor) Wakefield, Marissa and Maggie Hay, and Sara “George” Langford, brought many years of immeasurable happiness to his life! His great-grandchildren, Zander, Zaxton, and Wrenley Baldwin and Charlie Rae Wakefield made his face light up with joy!

Serving as pall bearers are his grandson, Jonathan Peyton, nephews, Drew and Adam Massey and Ben and Brett Jones, and special friends Randy Drane, George Gilliam, and Bradly McNeece. Honorary pall bearers are Gary Cooper, Rusty Davis, Harold Edwards, Wallace Embry, Bobby Ingram, Rick Landers, Rickey Massey, Tom Matyskiela, Bob Mullenix, Stevie McCain, Rickey Ritter, Vernon White, Bunny Whitwell, and Roosevelt Yarber.

For the selfless support offered through the final battle with Parkinson’s disease, the family would like to extend special thanks to Tim Brashears and Gentiva Hospice. Dr. Michael Brewer and Dr. Lucy Ledbetter also offered wonderful care up to the point that hospice took over. In addition, the family wishes to thank McCains Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where Ray was a member (along with Gail), for their multiple displays of love and support.

Post 19 will be rendering military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McCains Cumberland Presbyterian Church (PO Box 29, Columbia, TN 38402). 

A funeral service for Ray will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee, with Bro. Jimmy Peyton officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 11:00 AM to the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee. Ray will be laid to rest at Polk Memorial Gardens. 

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family at williamsfh.com.