Sophia Snider Ray

Sophia Snider Ray, age 88 of Springville, TN, died Saturday, March 13, 2021, at her residence.

She was the longtime owner & operator of The Red House Antiques.  She graduated from Sumner County High School and went on to attend the Nashville Institute of Art.  Sophia was a member of First Baptist Church in Paris where she was active in LLL and the J.O.Y. Sunday school class that she taught for several years.  She was also a member of the Blossomway Garden Club in Paris.  In her earlier years, she was involved in the Paris-Henry County Historical Society and worked in the archives.  She was also renowned for her knowledge of antiques.  Because of her outstanding artistic abilities, Sophia was called upon to design artwork to commemorate historical days in the life of Paris & Henry County, such as the commemorative coin made for the sesquicentennial.  She loved her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Sophia was born December 1, 1932, on the family farm in the Old Mitchell community in Sumner County, TN, to the late Rufus Sidney Cummings and the late Dorothy Allene Traughber Cummings.

She was first married to Gene Houston Snider who preceded her in death on July 7, 1995.  She later married Russell Ray who preceded her in death on February 3, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Jim) Elliott of Buchanan, TN; her son, Charlie Snider of Springville, TN; one daughter-in-law, Chenni Lin of Springville, TN; one sister, Yvonne McCrary of Gallatin, TN; three grandchildren, Andrew (Jennifer) Elliott, Billy (Marissa) Elliott, and John (Kristian) Elliott; and eight great grandchildren, Chase Craig, Allie Elliott, Gracie Elliott, Mason Elliott, Adam Elliott, Gene Elliott, Anna Elliott, and Max Elliott.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she was also preceded in death by one son, David Snider; three sisters, Margaret Snider, Marie Stinson, and Carolyn Cole; and one brother, Ray Cummings.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN, 38242. A private family service will be held.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mrs. Sophia’s grandsons and great grandsons.  Named as an honorary pallbearer is her great grandson, Max Elliott.

Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  First Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, 313 N. Poplar Street, Paris, TN 38242 or to the charity of your choice.