Service

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Family Visitation: 1:00 P.M.

Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M.

Held at

Nelson & Sons Chapel Murfreesboro

448 East Burton Street

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Interment

Lovvorn Cemetery

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Elmer “Ray” Crockett entered the world on a warm spring Saturday, April 12, 1958, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, born to Annie Marie Smith and Charlie Lee Crockett. As the fifth of nine children. He attended school in Rutherford County and graduated from Oakland High School with pride.

In July 1977, shortly after graduating, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, answering a higher calling to serve. While stationed across Korea, England, Guam, Florida, and California, he pursued his education at Miami Dade Community College. Rising to Staff Sergeant (E-5), he retired in 1992 after 15 years of distinguished service, and consistently embodying excellence, humility, and commitment.

Ray’s service continued at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he supported fellow veterans with benefits and healthcare until retiring in 2023. He worked in various roles, always bringing a strong work ethic and quiet leadership. Whether mentoring or lending a hand, Ray remained a steady presence. In all, he devoted over 45 years to serving his country.

Ray’s devotion to family ran even deeper than his service. He met the love of his life, Ora Jean Crockett, formerly known as Ora Jean Lawrence, during his adolescent years; a connection that, though tested by time and distance, never faded. The Lord blessed them with 45 years of marriage.

In 1979, Ray brought Ora Jean and her daughter, Natasha Desai, to California, beginning a new chapter of love and unity. On February 17, 1980, Ray and Ora Jean were married in holy matrimony, sealing a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and devotion. He adopted Natasha and lovingly gave her the Crockett name, embracing her not only in name but in spirit as his daughter, his pride, and his joy.

On December 19, 1983, God sent an angel from above. The perfect addition to complete their family; Adreena Bianca Crockett was born, now known as Adreena Bianca Perry. Her arrival deepened Ray’s joy as a father and expanded his legacy of love. He embraced his role as husband and father with unwavering devotion, leading with integrity, wisdom, strength, and a heart full of unconditional love.

Ray and Ora remained committed and devoted to one another in marriage up until Sunday, October 19, 2025, when the Lord welcomed Ray home to be reunited with his older brother, Freddie Smith; his beloved mother, Annie Marie Smith; his adored sister, Candace Marie Pettus, his Uncle Elmer Smith, Aunt Mildred Smith- Bey and a host of other loved ones.

He leaves to cherish his memories to his dear wife, Ora Jean Crockett; his two loving daughters, Natasha (Vikram) Desai and Adreena (Alex) Perry; siblings, Bonita Smith, Charlie (Norma) Crockett, Jerry Crockett, Teresa King, Darryl Crockett, and Carolyn Crockett; grandchildren, Chloe Desai, Eshua Desai, Nala Perry, Eden Perry, and John Perry; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives; his devoted friend Clinton Garrison and various other friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering presence.

Ray’s legacy is one of service, perseverance, strength, courage, and faith. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but for the character he carried through every chapter of his life with authenticity, humility, grace, and a spirit that uplifted everyone around him. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he was a “GREAT” God fearing man, who loved his country, family and the LORD!