Raymond "Ray" Alan Hager

Raymond Alan "Coach" Hager, 85, of Nicholasville, Kentucky, passed away on February 27, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Born March 19, 1939, in Nicholasville, Ray was the son of the late Elesteen and Mae F. (Jacobs) Hager.  He pursued his passion for education and athletics at Eastern Kentucky University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education.  He later obtained a Master of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Turf Management.  His dedication to teaching and coaching left a lasting impact on students and athletes throughout the Jessamine, Woodford, and Anderson County school districts.  As both a football and baseball coach, he was known for his leadership and commitment to shaping young lives through sports.

Beyond his professional life, Ray had a deep love for golf, fishing, football, baseball, and poker.  Whether on the golf course, the football field, or at the card table, he brought enthusiasm and camaraderie to every game he played.  His presence will be greatly missed by those who shared these passions with him.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Suzanne (Marcum) Hager; daughters Lee Ann Hager and Tracy (Hager) Gatliff and her husband Bill; son Chris Hager and his wife Stacy; grandchildren Ryan and Amy Gatliff, and Seth and Clayton Hager; great grandchildren Jake and Callie Gatliff.  He also leaves behind his cherished dog, Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his son Thomas Franklin Hager.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home, 207 West Oak Street, Nicholasville.  An additional visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM at Hager and Cundiff Funeral Home. Ray will be laid to rest at Maple Grove Cemetery.   Serving as pallbearers are Chris Hager, Bill Gatliff, Ryan Gatliff, Alex Rogers, Clayton Hager, Mitch Crawford, Seth Hager, and Bob O’Connell.  Honorary bearers are Alfred Marcum, Jim Marcum, Tim Newland, and Anderson County, Woodford County, and Jessamine County football players from 1968-1973.

Ray’s legacy as an educator, coach, and devoted family man will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

This obituary was lovingly submitted by the Hager Family.  Arrangements are under the care of Hager & Cundiff Funeral Home, and we express our deepest sympathy to Ray’s family and friends.