Ray and I had been close friends since 1978. We had our UPS and downs ads friends do over time. But they were mainly UPS. I had spoken to Ray the week before he passed. He asked me to call him the following Monday so we could set a time and day for a lunch or dinner. This is how I always remember Ray to talk... It was to be shared over a meal, and almost exclusively his choice of places. I never argued the point as he had good taste in selecting eateries. In that final call, he was so happy to hear from me as I hadn't spoken to him for a time. He said that he always looked to me as his son, at which I replied, you know Ray, I've always look to you as a father to me. We talked for 45 minutes. Which is long for a phone conversation with him. We shared much in that call, and I'm glad we had forgiven one another at that time, as I look back now and think, he may have know his departure was near. I will miss my dear friend and mentor. My best wishes and condolences to all his family for the loss of this amazing person. With love and respects.

Ray was a good friend since the early 1960's, I liked and respected him, his knowledge of guns, history and law was impressive,  Brad Bergmann, friend

"Ray was a law school classmate and a good friend.  We went off to the JAGC together spent time in Charlottesville together and remained friends all of our lives.  I will miss him.  Grady Roberts

You already made him proud Wendy. But yes he will be missed.

Ray has been a great friend to me for more than twenty years. Since he often spoke to me of his many experiences, I regret that he never lived to write his memoirs. I will miss him dearly. My words of support go-out to Sandy, and Krissie, and Wendy.

     I have known Ray for over fifty years, I married one of his family members Dixie D. (Due) Smith in 1957.  It was a great pleasure to visit with him at family dinners at Dixie's mother's home the late Dora Z. Due or our home.  He and I would sit and make "army talk for hours".  Ray took understandable pride in his having served in the 1st Air Cavalry Division.  The remarkable history of this unit was made by men of Ray"s commitment.  And while he was a JAG officer he was equally at home in a chopper loaded with Grunts inbound to a "Hot LZ"!  I was in the BAMC hospital in late 1992 for three weeks and I believe Ray dropped by almost every single day.  Needless to say it was always a pleasue to see his smiling face.  He was very kind to my mother in law Dora and would drop by and take her to dinner, needless to say she loved every minute of the time with him.  Ray was a great American, family man and a true friend.  We shall all miss him.  May God Bless all of you in this time of great sorrow.  We remain most respectfully, Brigadier General (R) Thomas G. and Dixie D. Smith

Ray was a great officer, gentleman, and a friend.  He was also a consummate attorney who served his clients loyally and his profession with competency and character.  He was a lawyer's lawyer.  He will be missed.

When I was a young girl, Raymond Edward came to visit my Grandma Ora Graham. All of us "kiddos" were sent off to the movies so the adults could visit. Ray gave me a shiny Kennedy Half Dollar to spend at the concessions. I was in concession heaven. I ate so many chocolate stars. It was like eating all the stars in a midnight sky. Raymond Edward's kindness stayed with me my entire life ....and that is how I will always remember him.

Goodbye Raymond Edwards, you will be missed.  Did not see you very often, but always enjoyed our correspondence.  Goodbye and God Bless.  My Mother Bonnie reminisced often about baby sitting you as a child.

With fond memories,

For my sweet daddy...I wish you didn't have to leave us so soon... I already miss you sooo much...I promise to make you proud!

OBITUARY

Ray Taylor

August 24, 1943 – February 15, 2014

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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