Mr. Kenneth Ray Blythe, 85, of Bowersville, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017 at St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital.

Born on May 21, 1932 in Flat Rock, NC, he was the son of the late James Blythe and Nellie Jones Blythe. Mr. Blythe was a retired area supervisor with Moore Pipe & Sprinkler Co. in Jacksonville, FL where he was a member of the National Automatic Sprinkler Fitters Union. He also was a US Navy veteran. He enjoyed building and flying experimental aircraft. He was of the Church of God faith.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Stowe Blythe; one sister: Helen Arledge of Mill Spring, NC; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive.Mr. Blythe was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter: Tania Marie Zamani; one brother: Edgar Brownlow Blythe and one sister: Eva Blythe.

A memorial service celebrating Ray's life will held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with the Rev. Cory Pulliam and Rev. Connie Ivester officiating.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Flat Shoals Baptist Church, 2999 Bowersville Hwy, Bowersville, GA 30516 or Alzheimer's Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA30346.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.