Ray Penland, 88, of Franklin, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2015.

Born in Clay County, he was the son of the late Earl Penland and Fannie Jackson Penland. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Thompson who died October 29, 2014; a brother, Carl Penland and a sister Lucille Ross. Ray was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, general manager of Franklin Machine Shop for over 30 years and owner of Ray's Equipment for over 20 years. He was a member of the Junaluskee Masonic Lodge 145. Ray was a member of Wells Grove Baptist Church where he faithfully served as a Deacon, Sunday School Director and Church Trustee.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Linda Green Penland; two daughters, Patricia Cook (Jerry) of Franklin, NC and Brenda Buckner (David) of Fairview, NC; two step daughters, Melissa Clark and fiancé Roger of Washington, DC and Dana Sutton (Mike) of Morrisville, NC; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 24, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Terry Dixon, Rev. Steve Reeves and Rev. Tommy Fouts will officiate. Burial will be in the Wells Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors conducted by the VFW Post 7339 and the American Legion Post 108.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 23, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be grandsons: Lance Fesperman, Nathan Buckner, Justin Buckner, Jeremy Cook, Aaron Sutton and Chandler Anderson.

Memorial donations can be made to the Wells Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, C/O Jackie Cook, PO Box 58, Franklin, NC 28744 or Angel Hospice, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com