We THANK YOU for leaving us your memories and stories of Ray. They will be most comforting in the hours, days, and months to come as we grieve like those that have hope. Please share memories at https://www.mykeeper.com/RayMarcrom
Ray went to be with our Lord on July 9th, 2024 at 10:14am. His last hours were spent telling Jane he loved her, attending a men’s bible study, and joining a group of men from church to build a ramp for someone in need. On some level – this is a microcosm of Ray’s life. He loved family, loved studying the Bible and Christian fellowship, and most of all – serving others – especially those less fortunate and those in his own community.
Ray Edward Marcrom Obituary
Ray Edward Marcrom, 76, of Manchester, TN, died on July 9, 2024, while serving the community he loved.
He was born on March 19, 1948, in Manchester to H.D. and Agnes Marcrom, the oldest of three siblings. He was raised to know, love, and serve the Lord through his parents’ example. Ray attended Lipscomb University where he met the great love of his life, Jane Brumfield, who taught him the gift of a good hug. They were married on December 30, 1969.
After completing his education at Lipscomb University, he moved to Memphis, TN, to pursue his Doctorate of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee’s School of Pharmacy. An outstanding student and leader, Ray was class president and graduated Summa Cum Laude of his doctoral program in 1972.
Upon graduation, he and Jane moved home to Manchester where Ray worked with his father H.D. at Baker Brothers Pharmacy in downtown Manchester for six years. His love of people was evident by the way he served his community locally and sought to serve internationally through regular medical mission trips to Central America. With the blessing of Ray’s father, Ray and Jane opened their own pharmacy, Marcrom’s, in 1978, faithfully serving the community that he loved so dearly for 46 years.
An innovative pharmacist who was passionate about his field and its ability to help others, Ray especially enjoyed training the next generation of pharmacists. He cherished both teaching at Lipscomb’s College of Pharmacy and training many pharmacy residents at his community pharmacy. He and Jane often hosted them in their home while they trained. He received many professional awards, including Tennessee Pharmacist of the Year, Innovative Pharmacist of the Year, the Bowl of Hygeia Award, Tennessee College of Pharmacy Alumnus of the Year, APhA Daniel B. Smith Practice Excellence Award, and the Good Neighbor Pharmacy Pharmacist of the Year.
Although his professional accolades were numerous, his true passion was serving his community with his time, energy, and resources. Ray has served the people of Manchester as Campus Night Youth Director, as an elder of Forest Mill church of Christ, and was actively serving on the Elk River Public Utility District Gas Board. In his retirement years, he spent countless hours investing in the people of Manchester through One Day of Hope, serving as president of the board. In 2023, he was instrumental in creating a space for a free medical clinic in conjunction with Partners for Healing.
Though he served in official capacities with many organizations, he seemed to most enjoy serving the people of Manchester by mowing their lawns when they were ill, participating in a home ramp building ministry, welcoming people into his home, officiating dozens of weddings and funerals, leading regular Bible studies, or by taking his longtime friend Roger to Waffle House for breakfast.
Ray loved sports, traveling, and adventures, especially when supporting his children in their athletic pursuits. In case you’ve never heard, Samuel won the 2005 Golf District Tournament and Sarah was on the 1993 Basketball State Championship Team. He enjoyed the outdoors from camping in Montana to rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Golf was a passion of his life, including attending the Masters Golf Tournament and playing the Old Course in Saint Andrews, Scotland. He loved playing golf with his family, but the truth is he was thrilled to play with anyone.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jane; his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Lynn and Joe McKamey, and their sons, Eli and Micah; his son and daughter-in-law, Samuel and Sarah Ann Marcrom, and their sons, Paul, Samuel “Riggs,” and Luke; his brother Tom (Elaine) Marcrom; his sister Mary Carol (Jerry) Stephens; his foster sister Judy Michael; his sister-in-law Susan Pauley; his brother-in-law Steven Brumfield; and his nieces and nephews: Jason (Juli) Stephens, Andrea (Hunter) Johnston, Brian Marcrom, Allison (Keller) Skinner, Kelly (Ritchie) Pickens, Tim Pauley, Kerri (Chad) Edwards, Laura (Lee) Camp, Lisa Brumfield, Carrie Brumfield, and Catherine (Pete) Nelson.
A visitation service celebrating Ray’s life will be held at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN, on Saturday, July 13th, from 4-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at Forest Mill church of Christ on Sunday, July 14th, at 1 PM with a private family graveside service to follow.
If you are unable to attend The funeral service will be livestreamed on the Forest Mill church of Christ YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/g9HPU3Xl1QE?si=aMWP8eILOXfYGIr1
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray’s memory to (Jane would MUCH prefer money be sent to these instead of being spent on flowers, gifts, or keepsakes):
One Day of Hope
PO Box 99
Manchester, TN 37349
Forest Mill Ramp Ministry
Memo Line: In Memory of Ray Marcrom
Forest Mill Church of Christ
3388 McMinnville Highway
Manchester, TN 37355
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