Tom Ray, 88, of Louisville, KY, son of the late David Edward and Cora Lee Ray, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018, in Louisville, KY. He was born and raised in West Hamlin, WV. Tom was larger than life to all who knew him. He joined the United States Marine Corps at a very young age, and served during the Korean War, where he was one of the Chosin Few during the Battle of the Chosin Few Reservoir. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. When he returned home from serving his country, he worked as a telegraph operator in Ashland, KY and Huntington, WV. Tom was a true believer in education. He attended the University of Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees from the University of Louisville. He has always had a love and interest in politics, and was a Representative for the Kentucky State Legislature from 1968-1972. He was an entrepreneur and had many successful businesses, including a restaurant and a collections business. Tom worked for the State of Kentucky in various capacities and departments, and retired as an Administrator with the Kentucky Department of Education. It was during his time in Frankfort that he met his beloved wife, Mary Ann, who preceded him in death in January 2013. Tom was actively involved with many associations and organizations, including The Chosin Few; Disabled American Veterans; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Kosair Shriners; Grand Lodge of Louisville, KY; Wounded Warriors; and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. Tom was also a proud Kentucky Colonel and has been instrumental in awarding other deserving individuals the same honor for their contributions to the betterment of Kentucky and its residents. Tom had his pilot's license, and loved to fly his Waco biplane. He was also a very talented artist and painted as a hobby. He was a wonderful cook, a great storyteller, and a genuinely kind person. But most of all, Tom truly loved his family and friends beyond measure. In addition to his parents and his wife, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings: Alma McComas, Millard Ray, Norman Ray, and Ethel Ray; and special nephews Boyce Perry, Royce Perry, and Doyle Perry. Tom is survived in Kentucky by his long-time friend and caregiver, Sandra Bolinger; his special kitty, Bear; and many friends. He is also survived by his many nieces, nephews and their families from his home in WV who loved him dearly: Darlene (Ross) Cummings, Madeline Perry, Virginia Perry, Paul (Thelma) McComas, Kelly McComas, Rose Jaynes, Bonnie Porter, and Josephine Fulks, as well as many great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, by Pastor Brady Lipscomb. Burial will be Enon Cemetery, Salt Rock. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
Published in The Courier-Journal on Jan. 9, 2018