Harvey Ray Coble

Harvey Ray Coble, 82, of Meridianville, Alabama, passed away on February 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and the devoted presence of his wife of 60 years, Judy. Ray was born in Pulaski, Tennessee, and carried his small-town roots, strong work ethic, and gift for conversation everywhere he went. He built a long career in communications, beginning with South Central Bell in Huntsville and later transitioning to AT&T, where he spent many dedicated years. After his first retirement, Ray went on to work for Boeing before finally retiring at the age of 77—though anyone who knew him would say he never really slowed down. Ray will be remembered most for the sparkle in his eye and the grin that usually meant he was about to say something that was half wisdom, half mischief. His dry humor and quick wit kept everyone guessing. If you weren’t sure whether he was serious or teasing, that’s exactly how he liked it. His greatest joy, though, was his family. Ray rarely missed a grandchild’s ballgame, school event, or milestone, proudly showing up with quiet support and probably a joke ready at the right moment. He loved the simple pleasures in life: early mornings on the water Bream and Crappie fishing, wearing his lucky blue shirt (a prized possession that may spark a “friendly bidding war”), and cheering wholeheartedly for Tennessee sports. Above all, he loved being at home, where he was happily and unapologetically spoiled by Judy — a role he embraced with a smile.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Woodrow Coble and Mary Helen Harwell Coble, and his brothers, Mylen Coble and Alton Coble.

He leaves behind a family who adored him: his beautiful wife, Judy Holt Coble; his daughters, Laynette (Jeff) Bell and Vicki (Dewayne) Tucker; his grandchildren, Erin (Jason) Price, Deanna (Tyler) Yates, Samantha (Bradley) Hulin, Payton MaryAnn Bell, and Ryan (“most honest one”) Tucker; and his great-grandchildren, Reagan and Reed Price. He is also survived by his sisters, Peggy Clifton and Nancy Owens who fondly called him “Baby Ray”, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss his stories, his humor, and his steady presence.

Ray’s absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his laughter, his love, and the stories he gave us will live on in every fishing trip, every family gathering, and every moment someone says, “That sounds like something Ray would say.” He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.
In honoring the family’s wishes, a memorial service will not be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ray’s memory to:
CCI Cancer Institute – Russell Hill Foundation
3601 CCI Drive NW
Huntsville, AL 35805   

Hospice of the Valley, Inc.
Serving Morgan, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Franklin, and Cullman Counties
240 Johnston Street SE
Decatur, AL 35601