Ray Thomas

Ray Mason Thomas, age 81, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2018 at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro in Rutherford County. Ray was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 14, 1937. Ray moved to Ontario, California where he attended Chaffey High School and joined the US Navy in 1955. He became a Radioman and served on the USS Salisbury Sound AV-13 until he left the military service with an Honorable Discharge in 1959. Ray entered into the working world of insurance with Allstate Insurance and finally retired with Mills Insurance Company in California. Upon retirement Ray followed his love of baseball and spent many hours watching his California Angels, but his real passion was skeet shooting. He would spend hours blasting those clay birds and loved every moment of it. In 2014 Ray decided to move back to Tennessee from California. With his wife, one gray cat "Dixie" and his best friend Dave he found his way to his new home in Murfreesboro. There he would spend most of his time gazing out into the yard looking at all the greenery about him, trees, bushes, flowers and was fascinated by how many species there were. The different birds, their songs and chirps would keep him busy for hours. Ray was especially known for his quick wit, funny stories and his infectious smile. Ray was preceded in death by his Father, Elbert James, his mother Aliene, sister Doris, his brother Jim and dear friend Wayne. He is survived by his wife Glenn-Anne Albright, his brother Bill of Riverside, California, sons Ray Thomas Jr., Gary, and Jeff, his daughters Janet and Heidi. He is also survived by his nephews Jimmy, Bryan, and Bill, his nieces Nicole, Dianne, Susan and Renee, grandchildren James, Shannon, Ame, Ryan, Jessie, Jack, and Sasha and his great grandchildren Tyler and Julia Rose. According to Ray's wishes cremation will be taking place. A short military service at Middle Tennessee State Military Cemetery is pending at this time Mr. Ray will be remembered by his wife, family and friends as a loving husband, father, a patriot, and US Naval Veteran. He was a deeply devout Christian and is now in the arms of The Lord. He will be deeply missed.