Ray E. Thomas, a friend to many, kind soul, foodie, snazzy dresser, and accomplished fisherman (in his own mind), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Ray was such a good man, always smiling and never met a stranger. He was full of love and loved many things. He loved the Lord first. Second place was his main squeeze, Song with whom they shared many decades and had a wonderful life. Ray enjoyed time with his adult kids, Candy, Frank (his fishing buddy) & Tiffany. He had a very special love for his nephew Brad. We certainly can’t forget the pets he loved, Roxy, Pepper and Sooki. They brought him such joy and he was known to sneak them table food when he thought no one was looking.
Ray spent a career in food sales and had a life-long love affair with deep fried Southern food, deviled eggs, peanut butter fudge, a huge cup of coffee, apple cobbler with ice cream and Korean BBQ. His favorite foods were anything the ladies at church cooked. He never shied away from seconds and a to go box. Church was so important to Ray and he loved that good old fashioned gospel music. As a matter of fact, Ray loved a wide variety of music and music styles. His favorite bumper sticker said, “My blood is blue.” He loved his blues and blue grass music. And all of us loved him.
The family would like to sincerely thank CAMC Neuro ICU, all the staff at Charleston Healthcare Center, our dear friend Chong, and all the friends who called, sent texts/emails and prayers. Prayer is important. We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.
Since Ray never liked to see anyone sad and cry, the family will hold a music and memories gathering at a later date. No suits. No high-heels. No uncomfortable stuffy clothes. No sad tears, only tears of joy because we know Ray is in a glorious place with many family members including his parents Henry and Goldie, daughters Renee, Misty and Molly, his sisters and brothers, along with many friends whom have been waiting for him. We can imagine Ray smiling, tapping his foot, and clapping his hands to the most amazing music he has ever heard and saying, “pass that plate over hear please, that smells good”.
There is nothing like the unconditional love from a pet and Ray loved seeing their happy dances when he walked through the front door. Ray spoke so highly of the veterinarian that made those dances possible. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Kanawha Boulevard Animal Hospital so that someone doesn’t have to worry about what the cost will be so their own pet can also dance.
Finally, Candy asks that in honor of Ray that you write your Congressman and ask for the repeal of Day Light Saving Time. Ray wanted everyone to get back on the Lord’s Time.
