Raymond Townsend
November 20, 2017
Date of Service: November 22, 2017
Interment Location: Christus Garden
Raymond Townsend, age 90, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017 at the Hillview Health and Rehab Center in Elizabethton. Raymond was born in Elizabethton to the late Taylor and Bertha Glover Townsend. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Smith Townsend, whom he was married to for 65 years; four sisters; and one brother.
Raymond retired as a janitor at Unaka Elementary School and was a member of Hunter First Baptist Church. Raymond was a United States Army veteran, having served in World War II. He loved to farm and being with his farming friends.
Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Sherry Elaine Smith, of Elizabethton and Cindy Kaylor, of Johnson City; three grandchildren, Brad Smith, of Georgia, Jason Smith, of Elizabethton, and Amber Nave, of Johnson City; two great grandchildren, Madison Smith, of Elizabethton and Anna Smith, of Georgia; and one brother-in-law, George Smith, of West Virginia. Several nieces, nephews and her special friends, Lowell and Ruby Garrison and Betty Little, also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Raymond Townsend will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton with Rev. Estel Williams, officiating. Music will be under the direction of Sue Bowers and Dale Williams. The family will receive friends from 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, prior to the service on Tuesday; or at the residence at other times.
The graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Ray Whitehead, Ken Potter, Lowell Garrison, Rick Williams, Charlie Campbell and Dustin Buckles. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton at 9:15 AM on Wednesday, to go in procession.
The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Hillview Health Center for the loving care given to Mr. Townsend during his illness.
Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the American Cancer Society, 861 Weisgarber Road, Knoxville, TN 37909.
Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Mr. Townsend and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office, 423-542-2232, service information, 423-543-4917.
