Ray Poirrier, age 89, of Joelton, Tennessee, passed peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 27, 2025.
Ray was born on June 10, 1936, in Palmetto, Florida, and grew up in Canton, Ohio. He later made Joelton his home, where he lived for many years and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
Ray graduated from Timken Vocational High School. He then served three years in the United States Army Reserve, where he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant with the 70th Combat Engineer Battalion. During his time of service, he became the first man in the history of the 70th Engineers to receive the honor of being the Colonel’s Orderly fifteen times in a row, also known as a “Sharp Soldier.” After his military service, he began working for the United States Postal Service and retired after 36 years of dedicated service, having worked as a manager over several different stations.
Anyone who knew Ray knew he was a man with a servant’s heart. He faithfully served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church for many years, quietly impacting countless lives through his dedication and kindness. He also thoroughly enjoyed being a part of Centre Star Masonic Lodge #409 of Whites Creek, where he had been a member since 1996 and was raised to the degree of Master Mason.
Ray was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife of 67 years. Together they raised two daughters, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren beyond measure. His family was his greatest joy.
He was well known in the community for coaching softball at Joelton-McDowell Park and for his competitive spirit as a bowler. Ray treasured the time he had fishing with his longtime friends, Chester Vaughn and Ken Jakes. He also enjoyed camping, playing cards with family and friends, and spending time doing what he loved most—building and fixing things. A skilled woodworker, he built the home he and his wife lived in for over 60 years, a lasting testament to his hard work and craftsmanship.
Ray was a strong, wise, and intelligent man who faced life’s challenges with perseverance and grace. His legacy of faith, love, and service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ray is survived by his wife, Annette Poirrier, whom he married on January 30, 1958; two daughters, Teresa (Kenny) Nuckols and Lynn Patton; three grandsons, Daniel (Chasity) Nuckols, Derek Nuckols, and Austin (Casey) Patton; one granddaughter, Ayla (Braiden) Robertson; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Nuckols, Paizlee Nuckols, Blake Patton, Drew Patton, and Parker Patton; his sister, June Jones; and many beloved extended family members, including Sue Holland and her family, and Scott and Lisa Nesbitt and their family. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the Hospice Team and other caregivers during the last couple of months. A heartfelt thank you to Patti, Lindsey, Amber, and Alexis.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph and Esther Poirrier; sisters, Virginia Girton, Betty Jo Riley, and Nancy Blind; and brothers, Joseph Poirrier, Jr., Edward Poirrier, Bobby Lee Poirrier, and Don Poirrier.
Visitation took place at Anderson & Garrett Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 30th from 12 P.M. until 8 P.M. with a Masonic Service taking place from 7:30 P.M. until 8 P.M. Visitation continued on Wednesday, December 31st from 10 A.M. until the time of Service at 2 P.M. with Pastor Scott Nesbitt and Pastor Jackson Watts officiating. https://www.andersonandgarrett.com
Interment follows at Joelton Hills Memory Gardens where Military Honors will be rendered.
Active Pallbearers are Kenny Nuckols, Daniel Nuckols, Derek Nuckols, Austin Patton, Braiden Robertson, and Wyatt Nuckols.
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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