Thomas Ray

Thomas Jefferson Ray was born on September 11, 1946 to the late Joe and Chessie Ray of Georgia. He grew up in New York City (the Bronx) with his two brothers, Joe Jr. and Jimmy.
Thomas (known in the neighborhood as “Tommy”) was an avid basketball player and always loved the game. He graduated from Samuel Gompers Industrial High School in Bronx, NY. After high school, he was drafted for service and volunteered for the Marine Corps. He served honorably during the Vietnam War for two years, 13 months in theater.
Upon returning from the war, he resumed his career with the New York City Transit Authority. Although the years had taken them on different paths, in 1997, he resumed his relationship with his junior high school sweetheart, Theresa. One year later, he retired from the NYC Transit Authority and moved to California. In 1999, both became dedicated members of Faithful Central Bible Church and were later married in Santa Barbara.
He departed this life on July 26, 2018 at their home in San Pedro, Ca. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 16 years, Theresa Taylor Ray; three daughters, Nicole Ray (Melanie) Glenn of New Jersey, Jannell Lundy (Michael) Roberts of California and Charmaine Ray of Alabama; four grandchildren, Damen, Antonio, Antoine, and Micaela (he was “Papa” to her), and a host of family including, great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnephews and cousins. He had a life well-lived and he is well-loved.