January 4, 1931 - November 23, 2024
RAY H. COMMERS, or Chief Commers, as everyone knew him, age 93, of Winchester, Tenn., departed this life on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Elk River Health and Nursing Center in Winchester following an extended illness. Chief Commers was born in Winchester, Tenn., to the late Rufus Henry Commers and Naomi Smith Commers on January 4, 1931. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War from 1948 – 1952 aboard the USS Skagit (AKA-105) he was honorably discharged with the rank of Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class (BM3) and received the Korean Service Medal and China Service Medal. He was then employed for a brief time at Chrysler Corp. in Michigan. He then returned to Winchester in 1961 and began his career as a Winchester Patrolman. He was promoted in 1965 as the Winchester Chief of Police until his retirement in 1998, ending a 37-year career. During his time as Police Chief, he was one of the founding chiefs of the TN Association of Chiefs of Police. Upon returning to Winchester in 1962, he purchased his farm and built his own home for his family, a feat he was very proud of. Most of all, he loved being a PAPA.
In addition to his parents, Chief Commers was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Juanita “Sally” Commers, son, Stephen Ray Commers, sisters, Thelma Mong and Evelyn Autery.
He is survived by his Son, Tim Commers and wife, Tracy of Winchester and daughter-in-law, Cindy Commers of Estill Springs. Grandchildren, Carley Rae Commers Mathis and husband, Jake of Christiana, Tenn., Rachel Nichole Commers of Winchester. Siblings, Harmon Commers of Estill Springs and Celeste Hice of Huntsville, Ala.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday evening, November 26, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services.
Services for Chief Commers will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 27, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services with Bro. Dwight Duckworth, officiating.
Interment will follow in the Owens Chapel Cemetery with Military Honors bestowed. Serving as pallbearers are Danny Hall, Rick “Fuzzy” Williams, Betsy Green Mazzuola, Larry Fraley, Ronnie Trussell, Gerald Glasner, Greta Hall and Hal Hill.
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