Raymond Reese Carden, 82, of the Union Grove Community in Jemison, passed away on July 15 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Chilton County on Dec. 16, 1933, the son of the late Roy L. Carden and the late Pearlie Wilson Carden.

Raymond retired from U.S. Steel in Ensley and Fairfield.

Upon his retirement at U.S. Steel, he went to work at the Hoover Walmart working in the garden center, later transferring to the Clanton Walmart.

He was known by his customers during those times as “Ray” and his extensive knowledge on plants and gardening.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Jean Carden of Jemison; daughter, Brenda Gail (Larry) Hand of Meridian, Miss.; daughter, Cindy (Joe Earl) Ellison of Jemison; grandchildren: Randall (Laura) Hand of Clinton, Miss., Karen (Phillip) Hartness of Gulfport, Miss., April (Nathan) Bradley of Austin, Texas; J. Aaron Ellison of Thorsby, and Jonathan (Dana) Ellison of Prattville; great grandchildren, Rhianna Hand, Ethan Hand, Caed Bradley, Jaysen Bradley, Tobi Bradley, Aaden Ellison, Hunter Ellison, and Josey Hartness and a brother, Horace (Mary Ann) Carden of Jemison.

He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Carden; mother, Pearlie W. Carden; infant brother, Bobby Joe Carden; brother, the Rev. Robert L. Carden; sister, Royce Mae Little; sister, Mavis Graves, and sister-in-law, Rheda Carden.

Visitation will be held on July 17 from 5-8 p.m. at Ellison Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on July 18 at 2 p.m. from Mineral Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. J. Aaron Ellison, the Rev. Robert Sandifer, and the Rev. Jason Green officiating.

Burial will follow in the Union Grove Community Cemetery in Jemison.

The family would like to express great gratitude to his sitter, Jenelle Peters, along with the staff of Southern Care Hospice in Clanton, especially his care team of Pam, Debra, and Chanda, for their care and support over the past couple of years.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton.

www.ellisonmemorialfuneralhome.com.