Ray Herschel Temple passed away on September 13, 2026, in Ashland City, Tennessee. He was born on May 17, 1930.

Ray lived a full and hardworking life. He served in the Air Force, where he learned to cook from scratch, a skill that stayed with him through the years. He spent more than 60 years in the tile industry and owned his own tile business for 40 of those years. He also faithfully served his church, Scottsboro First Baptist Church, for 40 years.

Ray will be remembered for the joy he brought to others. He was always joking and could make anyone smile, and his family lovingly called him a comedian. He loved to sing and was always doing so, often joking that he had an album out. He enjoyed fishing and loved sports, especially baseball and football. He also founded the West End Junior Pro Football League in Nashville. In the kitchen, he was known for his coveted spaghetti sauce recipe. Above all, Ray loved his family, especially his grandkids.

He is survived by his children, Steve Temple and his wife Gracie, Roger Temple and his wife Kathy, Terry Temple, and Debbie Potter. His memory will also be cherished by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who shared in his life and laughter and who will carry forward the many stories, songs, and smiles he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Flossie Rae Temple; his parents, Sam and Elva Temple; his grandson, Chris Temple; his step-grandsons, Jason Potter and Shane Lyle; his daughter-in-law, Rhonda Temple; his brothers, Robert Taylor “Tay” Temple, Sambo Temple, Booch Temple, and Herman Temple; and his sister, Joyce Dickerson.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37209. A second visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at West Harpeth Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow there on Friday at 12:00 PM. Burial will take place at 1:30 PM at Joelton Hills Memory Gardens, 6216 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37080.

Ray Herschel Temple will be remembered as a devoted family man, a faithful church servant, a hardworking businessman, and a man whose humor and song brightened the lives of those around him. His life leaves behind a lasting and loving memory.