Ray Franklin Rohrer, 51, of Dyersburg and formerly of the Maryland area departed this Earth to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, December 13. Departing from Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, he was surrounded by family and friends in his final hours as he succumbed to a 14-month battle with cancer. Ray was born on December 13, 1962 in Washington. D.C. He is the son of Conrad "Connie" and Leona Rohrer of Silver Spring, Md.

Ray was known among his peers for his self-motivation, his sensitive spirit and his strong work ethic. Ray obtained his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Maryland in Industrial Technology in December 1984. He immediately began a career in plant industry, first working as an engineer, before eventually moving into an operations role. Ray was in a plant management role for 20 years of his 28-year career, beginning with plants in Kentucky and Texas before moving to Tennessee.

In 2007, Ray was named plant manager of NSK Steering Systems America's new plant in Dyersburg. Under Ray's leadership and guidance, the plant broke ground, opened and found tremendous success, becoming the third largest NSK plant in the world. Within the plant's first five years, it would double in size and triple the workforce and to date has been responsible for $61 million in investment to Dyersburg's Industrial Park. NSK received numerous leadership and community awards under Ray's leadership and he is fondly remembered by the NSK family as a loyal and fair manager and most importantly an honest friend.

In his spare time, Ray was an avid hunter who enjoyed any and all outdoor activities including riding his dirt bike and skiing. Ray was also sensitive to humanitarian causes and particularly the struggles of children waiting for adoption.

Ray's faith in the Lord was deep and consistent, seeking God's direction in leading his plant, his peers and his family. He was particularly fond of Isaiah 40:31, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Ray and his family attended church at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Ray is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen, his three children, Joshua of Nicholasville, Ky., Nellee Mae and JoLee Rae of Dyersburg and one grandson Lane of Fort Thomas, Ky. He is also survived by his parents, a sister, Robin (Joseph) of Greensboro, Pa., as well as a slew of loving cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Ray is preceded in death by his grandparents, Franklin and Mary Norris and Kathleen and Ray Rohrer.

Visitation with the family will take place on Monday, December 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dyersburg. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, December 17 at noon.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Swallows Nest Orphanage. Donations can be made through their website at (http://swallowsnestzz.org).