BEECH CREEK – Ray Atherton, 76, of Beech Creek, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at 10:05PM at Ridgewood Terrace Health Rehab in Madisonville.  Mr. Atherton was born April 28, 1945, in Central City.  He was retired from Peabody Coal Company as a roof bolter, and he was a member of Riverside Baptist Church.  He loved all of his family, especially his grandchildren.  He also loved spending time with his special buddy, Lance “Slick” Tate.  He was a member of UMWA Local #1605, and he enjoyed their monthly get togethers.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Bertha Atherton; and sisters, Betty Atherton, Francis Shirk, Jean Hendrix, and Mary Lou Atherton.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carla Sue Vanlandingham Atherton; daughter, Trina Rhea (Carey) Capps of Fulton; grandchildren, Cara Rayleigh Capps and Carson Landon Capps; and special buddy, Lance “Slick” Tate.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 8, 2022, at 1:00PM at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home, with Rev. Scott Casebier officiating.  Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery.  Visitation will be Friday after 11:00AM at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.