Clifford Ray Etheridge, age 79, of Dalton, Georgia passed away Thursday, October 13, 2016. He was born on July 7, 1937. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Doss and Elizabeth Etheridge; brothers, R.E. Etheridge, J.L. Etheridge, Billy Etheridge and Clinton Etheridge; sisters, Katherine Young and Emma Best; and a granddaughter, Heather Etheridge. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Etheridge of Dalton; son and daughter in law, Tommy and Rita Etheridge of Chatsworth; daughter and son in law, Linda and Eric Minter of Dalton; brother and sister in law, Walter (Buck) and Cloteen Etheridge of Chatsworth; sister, Sue Gable of Chatsworth; grandchildren, Jason Etheridge, Tara Howe, Samuel Minter and David Minter; great grandchildren, Isaac Howe and Elijah Howe. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Clifford Ray Etheridge will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the chapel of Dalton Funeral Home with Brother Robert Chambers, Reverend Eric Minter and Pastor Anthony Cain officiating. Entombment will be at Whitfield Memorial Gardens. The family will be receiving friends for visitation from 5-8 PM Friday evening. Arrangements have been entrusted to independently owned and operated Dalton Funeral Home, 620 S. Glenwood Ave. Dalton, GA; 706-529-5371.