Herbert Pillow

Herbert Raymond "Ray" Pillow, 85, of Nashville, Tennessee passed peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Ray Pillow was born on July 4, 1937, in Lynchburg, Virginia where he began his life with his wife of 66 years, Joanne Pillow, and their three children and eventually their six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Ray was a Veteran of the United States Navy and went on to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry as a country singer and songwriter. Ray celebrated 50 years of being a member of the Grand Ole Opry in April 2016. He represented many musicians in Nashville and charted 18 times himself on the Billboard Country Single Chart. His last charted single was in 1981 with Jean Shepherd. He started Sycamore Records and later worked in the Arts and Repertoire department of Capitol Records while still playing on Friday and Saturday nights at the Opry until retiring in 2018.

Ray enjoyed being surrounded by his family, traveling, and catching up with his buddies when he could.

Ray is predeceased by his eldest son Ronnie "Dale" Pillow who passed last month on February 27, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Pillow, his daughter, Selena (Joe) Malone, his son, Daryl Ray (Barbara) Pillow, and his daughter-in-law, Julie (Dale) Ewers. Grandchildren: Cory Pillow, Zachary Ray (Telia) Balthrop, Brody Pillow, Ali Ray (Cody) Gaertner, Darby Pillow, Landis Pillow, and great-grandson, Bowden Ray Balthrop.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date by the family.

Nashville Cremation Center is honored to be entrusted with handling Mr. Pillow's arrangements. Please visit his tribute page to leave a thoughtful note for the family.