Some marriage records or marriage bond certificates that I have seen for TN during that time frame sometimes do reflect a parent name, if not the 'parents' names, sometimes listed as the 'witnesses'.

Bob has provided some great information on the WRAY/RAY family. In addition to his findings, the 1900 census records indicate that Joseph WRAY was born in Tennesse, as well as both of his parents.

Best of luck in locating the civil war records for your Joseph RAY/WRAY. Those records are treasures.