1940
John
2024
John Ray
October 5, 1940 — December 5, 2024
John T. Ray, Jr. “Tommy Ray”, age 84, of Pelham, North Carolina passed away at his home on December 5, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Laurie, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Javier Robinson of Alaska, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson Tommy, Lindsay, and Bodee Ray of North Carolina, and sister Francine Collins of Texas.
Tommy grew up in North Carolina and was always passionate about outdoor adventures. After establishing a career in taxidermy he was determined to head north to Alaska to further his calling. He spent decades in Anchorage mastering his artistry and becoming one of the largest taxidermy studios nationwide. He continued his talent by sculpting life-size models to offer to the taxidermy industry.
Tommy’s artistic abilities were numerous. He loved photography, sculpting, drawing, and painting. The final projects were always “perfectly beautiful”.
A passion for hunting and fishing took him all over the US and internationally—his favorite, bow hunting in South Africa and king salmon and dolly varden fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. His title of “King of the Kenai” was well-earned.
Tommy was dedicated to the sport of archery. He loved teaching and competing. A perfect score was achieved on his bucket list.
In 2000 his love of the outdoors and wildlife management found him back in North Carolina on his farm planting and tending acres of clover, soybeans, corn, and sunflowers. The beautiful fields he planted were always a reminder of the hard work and dedication he had in everything he did. Deer, turkey, quail, coyotes, and a black bear or two enjoy the fruits of his labor. Tommy on his red International tractor – what a sight to behold.
The first page of his journal sums up his love of the Lord. “Being a Christian is not just following a set of rules. It is having Jesus in your very being.”
His memories will continue forever and always.
Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Ray family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Laurie, daughter and son-in-law Kim and Javier Robinson of Alaska, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson Tommy, Lindsay, and Bodee Ray of North Carolina, and sister Francine Collins of Texas.
Tommy grew up in North Carolina and was always passionate about outdoor adventures. After establishing a career in taxidermy he was determined to head north to Alaska to further his calling. He spent decades in Anchorage mastering his artistry and becoming one of the largest taxidermy studios nationwide. He continued his talent by sculpting life-size models to offer to the taxidermy industry.
Tommy’s artistic abilities were numerous. He loved photography, sculpting, drawing, and painting. The final projects were always “perfectly beautiful”.
A passion for hunting and fishing took him all over the US and internationally—his favorite, bow hunting in South Africa and king salmon and dolly varden fishing on the Kenai River in Alaska. His title of “King of the Kenai” was well-earned.
Tommy was dedicated to the sport of archery. He loved teaching and competing. A perfect score was achieved on his bucket list.
In 2000 his love of the outdoors and wildlife management found him back in North Carolina on his farm planting and tending acres of clover, soybeans, corn, and sunflowers. The beautiful fields he planted were always a reminder of the hard work and dedication he had in everything he did. Deer, turkey, quail, coyotes, and a black bear or two enjoy the fruits of his labor. Tommy on his red International tractor – what a sight to behold.
The first page of his journal sums up his love of the Lord. “Being a Christian is not just following a set of rules. It is having Jesus in your very being.”
His memories will continue forever and always.
Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Ray family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Ray, please visit our flower store.
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