Tammy Sprinkle Raye

Tammy Sprinkle Raye, 65, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026. She was born July 13, 1961 in Yadkin County. She was a one-of-a-kind woman whose presence, personality, and love for her family will be missed more than words can ever express. She was a strong woman, a faithful wife, a devoted mother, a proud “Gram Tam,” and the kind of friend who you could always call on.

Tammy had a personality all her own. She could be outgoing and full of conversation, yet just as content keeping to herself and enjoying her own quite moments. She had a way of balancing both sides of herself so effortlessly, never needing to be anything other than who she was. She was truly one of a kind, and the people who loved her will forever remember the unique spirit that made her Tammy.

One of the greatest reflections of Tammy’s love was the way she showed up for her children. There was a time when she was constantly on the go, traveling wherever she needed to support them. Whether they were playing sports, coaching, or celebrating an achievement, Tammy was there. She made the trips, showed up for the games, and made sure her children knew they had someone in their corner. Her love was present in the miles she traveled, the time she gave, and the countless ways she supported the people who mattered most to her.

As years passed, Tammy found joy in life’s simpler moments. She loved spending time at home with her husband, Jerry, watching all sports, especially Steelers football, Duke basketball and Indiana Fever basketball. She wasn’t just someone who watched sports, she truly knew the games and loved keeping up with them and she simply loved being at home. Home with Jerry was where she found peace. Weekends also meant traveling to Salisbury or Wilmington to spend precious time with her grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life.

Shortly after Tammy became a grandmother, she was faced with one of the hardest battles of her life, cancer. From that point on, life looked a little different. Cancer slowed her down in ways she never wanted, but it never took away her determination to fight. She fought so, so hard. And whenever she could, she showed up for her family, because being there for the people she loved meant so much to her. Even when her body made things harder, her heart never stopped wanting to be present in their lives.

To her grandchildren, she was known as “Gram Tam.” And what a special name that will forever be. She was their grandmother, their familiar face, and a part of their childhood memories that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. She was so proud to be their Gram Tam and the love she had for them was an irreplaceable part of who she was. They will miss her always and forever.

Throughout her 10 yearlong battle, her husband, Jerry, stood by her side and cared for her with so much love and devotion. He took care of her every need, making sure she was loved, supported, and never alone in what she was facing. Tammy stated many times “I’m so thankful for Jerry, he takes such good care of me.” And he did so until her last breath. The care he gave her was a beautiful reflection of his love for her and Christ sacrificial love for us.

Tammy leaves behind her beloved husband, Jerry Raye; her son, Dudley Raye and his wife Ashley Raye; and her daughter, Jordan Raye.

She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren and there was something especially special about them: her son had four daughters, and her daughter had four sons, with each set of cousins matching in age. Four girls and four boys, each cousin with a same-age counterpart, creating a bond and a family dynamic that was truly one of a kind. It was something special to their entire family, but perhaps most special to Gram Tam.

Her granddaughters, Emmerson Gray 10; Tanner Mac, 9; Tilley Brooke, 6; and Luna James, 4; and her grandsons, Ace Mavric, 10; Wit Vaughn, 9; Ward Strider, 6; and Rip Dudley, 4.

Eight little hearts will forever hold a special place for their Gram Tam, and her love will remain a part of their stories as they grow.

Though Tammy’s absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled, the love she gave, the memories she created, the games she attended, the miles she traveled, and the weekends she spent with her family will never be forgotten. Her life was woven into the lives of the people she loved, and that love will continue through her children and grandchildren for generations to come.

Tammy will be loved always, missed beyond measure, and remembered forever. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in Heaven with Jesus, reunited with her Daddy, Bobby; her Momma, Shirley; and her sister, Tracey. Though her family must learn to live without her here, they find peace in believing that Tammy has been made whole again, free from the struggles and pain she endured. And while the ache of missing her will never fully go away, they hold tightly to the promise that this is not goodbye forever. One day they will be reunited in Heaven, where they will never have to say goodbye again.

Her funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, October 25, 2026 at Gentry Family Chapel in Yadkinville by the Rev. Kenny Gunn. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Saturday at Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville, which is serving the Raye family.