Ellis (Ray) Wolfe III, 82, passed away February 6, 2023. He was born July 26, 1940 in Cleveland, OH to the late Ellis II and Gladys Wolfe.
Ray grew up in Knoxville and eventually inherited the family photographic business. He grew Wolfe Studio into a premier wedding and portrait business. He became a favorite wedding photographer, and along with his wife estimated they photographed about 2000 weddings over 40 years.
Ray also established a college composite company, Southeastern Composites, photographing Sorority and Fraternity groups. In 1980 he relocated to Chattanooga and continued the college business a short time with Olan Mills. Eventually he resumed and expanded the composite business into National Composites and included professional groups.
Ray was a former member of the Professional Photographers Association and the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association, and won many awards for his portrait work.
A former longtime member of Valleybrook Golf & Country Club, Ray loved golf. He played many great golf courses across the country, including Pebble Beach, which he loved and played several times. Ray and his wife volunteered for the Chattanooga Classic every year beginning with the first year at Valleybrook. He was a member of the Hixson Sports Barn and enjoyed fellowship with many friends there.
Ray loved people and never met a stranger. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ellis Raymond Wolfe II and Gladys (Kennedy) Wolfe and brothers, Glenn Allen Wolfe and Roy Kennedy Wolfe.
Ray is survived by his wife, Dolores Ann Wolfe, sons, Michael Kevin (Eloise) Wolfe, Eric Christian (Tracy) Wolfe, grandsons, Shane, Ryan and Cameron Wolfe, granddaughter Taylor Wolfe, sister-in-law, Margie Wolfe, brother-in-law, Steve Wolfe along with several nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Friday, February 10, 2023 from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Hamilton Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00am held at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, TN.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Lung Association or charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343. 423.531.3975
Published February 9, 2023
