Rev. Joseph Ray "Joe" Vaught

Rev. Joseph Ray “Joe” Vaught, age 73, of Columbia, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN.

Joe was born October 2, 1947, in Evansville, IN, to Dorris Vaught and Dorothy (Pruitt) Vaught. He graduated from Central High School in 1965, attended Bethel University and finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Music at Columbus State University in Georgia. Joe then went on to receive his Master’s of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary. He served the Lord in ministry for over 50 years. Joe enjoyed music, singing with various choral groups, and leading in worship. One of his favorite ministries was as an Emergency Services Chaplain in Logan County, KY. Another of his favorite ministries was directing church youth camp where he was known as “Jungle Joe”. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. His legacy will live on through them and those whose lives he touched.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Amy (Burgett) Vaught; son, Christopher A. Vaught; daughter, Jeana E. Kalesia (Steve); grandchildren, Gabriel Vaught, Brynn Vaught, Sebastian Vaught, Savannah Vaught, Gavin Kalesia, and Emma Kalesia; stepsons, Richie Slagle (Anna) and Alex Slagle; step grandchildren, Johnny Slagle and James Slagle; brother, John L. Vaught (Dorothy); sister, Jeanelle Luckett (John); sister-in-law, Joann Vaught; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Dorris and Dorothy; and brother, Jerry Vaught.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2021, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Reverend Sam Romines and Reverend James Messer officiating. A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select your loved one’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Live Stream. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery. 

Friends may visit from 11:30 a.m. until time of service, Monday, April 5, 2021, at BOONE FUNERAL HOME EAST CHAPEL.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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