Tommy Gene Ray, Jr, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 24, 2019, in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 28, 2019 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Clinton, MS from 12pm to 1pm with service following at 1pm. Burial will be at the Clinton City Cemetery.
Tommy was born on April 11, 1943, in Kosciusko, MS. Kosciusko was also where he met and wed his childhood sweetheart, Linda Blanton, to whom he remained a devoted loving husband for 56 years. They settled in Clinton, MS over fifty years ago, and he remained there until his death.
Mr. Ray spent his working career with the Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg, MS for over forty years until his retirement in 2008. He served for many years as a scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Troop 88 in Clinton. He was an avid sportsman, interested in both freshwater fishing and duck hunting. He was also an able craftsman with a particular love for woodworking.
He was the proud father of one son, Steven Kerry Ray, and father-in-law to Kerry's wife Stefanie. Mr. Ray's grandchildren, Madison and Brooks, were the delight of his life.
Mr. Ray leaves behind many special friends, neighbors, and extended family members to whom his loss will be keenly felt. He was a fine, good, and honorable man who was always ready to extend a helping hand to others, whether friend or stranger and the world will miss him.