Dempsey "Tommy" Ray was born on May 11, 1938 in Tift County to Dempsey and Nora Ray. He died peacefully on February 18th in the care of Legacy Village of Tifton. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ezelle, his son Dempsey Tommy "Tom" Ray, Jr. and two of his brothers, Larry Ray and Melvin Ray. Tommy is survived by his daughters, Terri (Mike) Carroll of Hartwell, Georgia, Tanya (Curtis) Clark of Cave Springs, Arkansas and daughter-in-law Debra Ray of Jacksonville, Florida. He loved people and was so proud of his family and nine grandchildren: Tyler Ray; Andrew (Abby), Alan, Ansley, Alyson Carroll; Sam, Elle, Cooper, and Brynley Clark, and his new great grandson Will Carroll. He is also survived by his loving brothers Royce, Earl, and Carl Ray, brothers and sisters in law- Maxine Scroggins, Milton (Connie) Stewart, Merle (Raymond) Pearman, Oscar (Floyce) Stewart, Teresa Partin, special cousin Martha Ray, and many special nieces and nephews.
For the greatest part of his life, Mr. Ray could be found on the corner of 12th St and Love Ave where he owned and operated Ray's Service Center for almost 25 years. He built lasting relationships with customers who became like family to him. He was a devoted husband to his wife Ezelle for 62 years, remaining by her side until she took her last breath. He loved his community and church family, often helping host fish fries and social gatherings. He had a very strong work ethic and enjoyed staying busy with work. He loved tinkering with his "Old Blue" 53 Ford truck, playing the guitar, and sharing his lemons, grapefruit, kumquats, and grapes with his family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held in the chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM for family and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in memory of Tommy to Northside Baptist Church where Tommy was a member for 55 years or to the Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org.