Sanford Ray Tinker Sr., age 68, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at his home.
Ray was born Nov. 15, 1945, in the Upper Camp of Windrock Mountain. He was a lifelong resident of Oliver Springs.
Ray entered into the United States Army and served his country as a combat infantryman in the 199th light infantry division during the Vietnam War. While serving, he received several medals, citations, and ribbons, including a Medal of Valor with a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart for injuries sustained, and a Vietnam Service with several campaign medals.
Before his retirement, he was employed as a painter in the building business. He previously worked as a coal miner.
He was a member of the Upper Windrock Baptist Church.
In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoyed hunting Ginseng with his brother Lowell, wood carving/whittling, and watching his grandson play football at Oliver Springs High School.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Barbara Patterson Tinker; by sisters, Hazel Tinker and Joyce Shackelford; and by brothers, Junior Tinker, Buford Tinker, and Harold Tinker.
He is survived by sons, Sanford Ray Tinker Jr. and wife Shawna of Oliver Springs, and Scotty Allen Tinker of Oliver Springs; by a daughter, Chastity Tinker and companion Josh Barton of Powell; by grandchildren, Darrien, Destiny, and Derrik Tinker, Erica Desiree Tinker, Jake Smith, and Jadyn Barton; by a great-grandchild, Liam Christopher Benoi; and by his former wife, Fayetta Tinker.
He is also survived by brothers, Merle Tinker and wife Brenda of Briceville, Manuel Tinker, Lowell Tinker and wife Louise, and Gary Tinker all of Oliver Springs; by sisters, Bobbie Hensley and husband Wilburn, of Oliver Springs, Linda Wakefield and husband Larry, of Oak Ridge, Wilma Reynolds and husband Ken, of Oak Ridge, Trish Schmidt of Oak Ridge and Kathy Tinker of Nashville; and by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friends, including Julian Daugherty and Curt Owens.
The family will receive friends Friday, Dec. 27, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Wayne Morgan officiating. Burial and graveside services will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, at 11 a.m. at the Union Valley Cemetery.
Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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