Reverend Ray Earlston Collett

Reverend Ray Collett, age 81, born February 17, 1943, entered into his heavenly home on Friday, December 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. 

He was known for his Godly wisdom, kindness, generosity and believing in Jesus. His life's mission was to share God's love and win souls for Christ. He pastored Mill Creek Baptist Church for over 25 years, as well as Gap Creek Baptist and Chester Avenue Baptist. He worked in the coal mining industry for the majority of his life until retirement, where he was one of the innovators of the High Wall Mining technology.

Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela “Collett” Gipson; parents, Lawrence and Margie Collett; mother-in-law, Ora Mae Stephens; sister-in-law, Phyllis Early; brothers and sisters, Eugene Collett, Jack Collett, Vernon L. Collett, Vesta Collett, Jewell and Frank Nelson, Bill and Sandra Collett, and Juanita Oslonnion.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sharon Collett; son, Richard (Julie) Collett; daughter, Rebecca (Eddie) Overholt; grandchildren, Tyler (Taylor) Overholt, Amber Gipson, Amelia Gipson, Madison (Ian) Dinklemann, Elliot (Elizabeth) Collett, and Dalton (Olivia) Collett; great grandchildren, Mila Dinklemann, Emerson Collett, Crew Collett, Ryder Collett, Sylvia Collett, Aida Collett, Chloe Gipson, Abbie Collett, and Sofie Collett; brother-in-law: Joe Early; and a host of other family and friends. 

The family of Reverend Ray Collett will receive friends on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home in New Tazewell, TN. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Music will be provided by Elliot Collett, and Benny Howard. 

Graveside services will immediately follow the funeral service at Green Hills Memorial Gardens, Middlesboro, KY. Pallbearers will be Tyler Overholt, Elliot Collett, Dalton Collett, Jack Bunch, John Conley Bingham, and Benny Howard.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Gideons.

This obituary is posted as a courtesy to the Collett family by Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.