Ray Emory Thompson. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones” Psalm 116:15 (NASV). These words so fully describe the passing of Ray Emory Thompson from pain on earth into the eternal presence of his heavenly father Tuesday, July 26, 2022.
He was born Dec. 14, 1944, in Pontiac, Mich., he was the son of the late Howard Willis Thompson and Rachel Arlene Thompson. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet.
Ray would later become a 1963 graduate of Rabun County High School where he was an all-state defensive end as well as an all-state forward in basketball. He went on to attend Southern Polytechnic Institute on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, Ray served in the United States Navy Reserve for eight years and married Cheryl Herndon on Feb. 17, 1968. Ray and Cheryl eventually settled with their family in Sylvania, where he was plant manager at White Stag Warnaco. He later retired and they moved to Mount Airy, where they are members of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Clarkesville.
Ray loved INTENTIONALLY and he loved UNCONDITIONALLY. He enjoyed spending time coaching his children, along with the youth of Sylvania, and his grandchildren. He traveled to no end to support his grandchildren in whatever activity they were involved in. Many lives were touched and influenced with his love for kids and sports. He also served and spent countless hours with Redeemed Ministries where he helped spread love and the gospel to children all over the world.
For all that knew Ray, many characteristics come to mind. A man that lived by his faith, one that set a great example for his family and anyone else that came in contact with him. A calm and gentle giant that remained even keeled no matter what life threw his way, through the most positive high points or the most devastating low points. However, one of his strongest characteristics may have been his courage. He took cancer head on and never backed down. From same day chemo treatments straight to the ballfield or game, a granddaughter’s wedding, or family event, his determination never faltered. Creating a legacy all of his family and friends will remember and cherish.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Herndon Thompson; one daughter, Julie Thompson Harmon and husband, Darren of Madison, Mississippi; one son, Brad and wife, Julie Davidson Thompson of Flowery Branch; three brothers, Jimmy Thompson and wife, Daisy of Clayton, Ronald Thompson and wife, Bonnie of Clayton, Sanford Thompson and wife, Susan of Clayton; two sisters, Shirley Nichols and late husband, Grady of Clayton; Mary Williams and husband, Bob of Clayton; five grandchildren, Alexia Harmon Sykes and husband, Hunter Sykes, Garrett Harmon, Alayna Harmon, Kinsleigh Thompson and Kaden (KT) Thompson, all of whom Ray beamed with pride.
The family received family and friends at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton Saturday, July 30, with the service celebrating Ray’s life following at noon. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at Screven County Memorial Cemetery in Sylvania. In lieu of flowers, donations should made to Samaritans Purse or Bethlehem Baptist Church Redeemed Ministries in Clarkesville.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
August 4, 2022