Morning Pointe of Knoxville Assisted Living resident Ray Vining has always believed in starting the day strong. For decades, that meant lacing up his running shoes before sunrise. What began as a few Saturday morning jogs with friends soon became a daily ritual—Ray was out the door by 5:30 a.m. before heading to work. Running wasn’t just exercise; it was a way of life that kept him healthy, focused, and grounded. Over the years, he logged more than 13,000 miles, completed two full marathons, countless 5Ks, and several half marathons. Even into his seventies, Ray stayed on the move until a knee replacement brought his running chapter to a close.
Originally from Tucker, Georgia, Ray proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 4th Class and Expert Marksman. After his service, he joined Knox Tenn Recycling, where he built a remarkable 42-year career—rising from shipping clerk to Executive Vice President, overseeing a territory from Montreal to Atlanta and supervising over 2,800 employees. His dedication and leadership earned him numerous awards and the respect of colleagues across the industry.
Ray and his wife, Mary Lee, have shared 20 wonderful years together. In retirement, they’ve explored much of Europe, with memorable visits to Italy and Russia. These days, Ray enjoys sharing stories of travel, teamwork, and perseverance with fellow residents—continuing to inspire everyone around him with his discipline, humility, and zest for life. share link back
