Boise "Ray" Raybourn Atchley

Boise “Ray” Raybourn Atchley, age 83, a resident of Lawrenceburg, passed away Monday, April 11, 2022, at his residence.

Ray was born in Canalou, New Madrid, Missouri on December 24th, 1938. He spent some of his youth in the Missouri area where his family would farm local crops including cotton. In the early 1950's his family moved to Flint, Mi. where his father found employment at Chevrolet. Mr. Atchley started working for Michigan Bell telephone (eventually Ameritech), while still in high school. He graduated from Flint Central high school and continued his education while still working for Michigan Bell telephone. He also would travel on the weekends as a visiting pastor in the state of Michigan to different communities to help fledgling churches grow.  Mr. Atchley worked for Ameritech as a supervisor/manager in Michigan, and Illinois for most of his career. He retired in his 40's and moved his family to Tennessee. He worked in law enforcement in the Collingwood/Wayne County area, and in the Lawrenceburg area for several years as a police officer. Mr. Atchley enjoyed his retirement in the Lawrenceburg area. He was still walking up to five miles per day at the local church track, and on the local streets of Lawrenceburg until his passing. He would also be a helping hand to many in his community, providing his jack of all trades mentality to help those in need. Mr. Atchley came from a bygone era where his parents instilled in him to love and help his neighbors. His payment was the happiness of whomever he was helping, and a job well done.

Mr. Atchley was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Mable (Gray) Atchley, three sisters; Melva Sue Colbert, Phylis Marion Cox, and Joyce Ann Walters, and by his beloved son Shawn Atchley.

He is survived by his sister Jeanette Carol Castles. Mr. Atchley chose not to have a funeral service.

In lieu of flowers for the family, please make any donations to St. Jude's Children's Research hospital and research in the name of Mr. Atchley. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.