John Ray Conley, 73, of Richmond, Kentucky passed away Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond.

Born in Maysville, Kentucky on June 1, 1950, he was one of 11 children to the late Ben Conley and the late Minnie Moore Conley.

A 1968 graduate of Fleming County High School, John participated in band, track, basketball, and football. He was a talented guitarist in Johnny and the Rebel Rousers in the 1960's and then later as a member of the praise team band at Harmony Christian Church in Georgetown, Ky.

John worked for 30 years in sales and retired with GTE. He later became a custom residential home builder, building many homes and friendships along the way. John was a Kentucky Colonel and a Son of the American Revolution. He was an active member of the Lexington Scottish Rite, Oleika Shrine Temple, and Masonic Lodge 160.

John is survived by and was a devoted father to his daughter, Tonja Renae Conley Elrod, father- in-law to Christian Elrod, and proud grandfather of Adam Christian Elrod of Richmond, Kentucky.  He is also survived by two of his sisters, Ruth Ann Conley Cassity and Opal Cathy Conley; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and special companion, Diania Linkous.

He was preceded in death by eight of his siblings, Norma Jean Marshall, Ina Jane McGlone, Bennie Donald Conley, Jack Glenn Conley, Mary Kathleen Hardymon, Garold Joe Conley, Wendall Lewis Conley and Vickie Carolyn Conley Ferguson.

John will be buried next to his cherished wife of 47 years, Linda Trent Conley, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Morehead, Kentucky.

A private graveside service will be held in his honor.

Boone-Nickell Funeral Home is caring for John and his family.

Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com