Former State Senator Ray Albright Dies At 83

  • Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Former Tennessee state Senator Ray Albright has died at the age of 83.

He served one term in the state House in 1969 before serving a long tenure in the Senate.

A native of Paint Rock, Ala., he graduated from Central High School and Vanderbilt School of Banking.

He joined United Bank in 1970 and later was senior vice president of Union Planters National Bank.

A Republican, while in the House he sponsored a bill prohibiting discrimination against entrance into schools based on race, creed, religion or national origin.

He was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the President's Committee on Environment after sponsoring a bill to require a certain percentage of recycled steel be used in bridges.

Senator Albright sponsored a bill changing the local technical school to Chattanooga State Technical Community College.

The original building at the college is named for him.

He was a plaintiff in a lawsuit in connection with the disease mesothelioma caused by asbestos materials. He said he contracted the disease while working at Combustion Engineering making covers for boilers.

He said as part of his job, he cut through steel and asbestos-containing materials.

Private services were planned.

Breaking News
Tennessee's Longest-Serving District Attorney To Retire
  • 7/25/2025

Following 45 years as the 18th Judicial District Attorney General, Ray Whitley on Friday announced his retirement, effective Sept. 1, marking the end of a distinguished career committed to justice ... more

Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 7/25/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) AGUSTIN- ... more

Dallas Bay Home Damaged By Fire Thursday Afternoon
Dallas Bay Home Damaged By Fire Thursday Afternoon
  • 7/24/2025

A home in the Dallas Bay Area was damaged by fire Thursday afternoon. A neighbor called 911 reporting smoke coming from a house. At 4:02 p.m., the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department responded ... more