CSM Retired Thomas Joseph Ray, 82, of Fortson, Georgia, died April 9, 2020 at his residence. In keeping with the efforts of the safety of our community, a private burial will be held in Fort Mitchell National Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to travel in a procession to honor CSM Ray to the entrance of the cemetery. The procession will leave Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road at 12:15 pm on Monday April 13, 2020.
CSM Ray was born February 4, 1938 in Janesville, WI, son of the late Milton Joseph Ray and Veronica Spohn Ray. He retired from the US Army after 29 years, serving as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He served two tours in Vietnam. He later retired after 16 years as a Defense Contractor at Fort Benning.
He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church and was active in the prison ministry at the church. He was a member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Assc., an eight year volunteer with Columbus Hospice, and was instrumental in starting the Honor Project for Veterans at Columbus Hospice and the Honor Project Fund Raisers.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Suzie Ray, of Fortson, GA; children, Thomas A. Ray, of College Station, TX., Robert M. Ray (Debbie), of Fortson, GA, Barbara A. Kremer, of Steinau, Germany, Peter L. Ray (Debbie), of Fredericksburg, TX., Allison R. Adams (Matthew), of Cameron, NC., and Patrick J. Ray (Stacy), of Fortson, GA; sisters, Sister Mary Ray SSF, of Janesville, WI., and Catherine R. Davis (Lorne), of Durand, MI; 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; one nephew and three nieces.
Donations may be made to The Honor Project at Columbus Hospice.
