Eldon “Tom” Ray, 84, of Carthage, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 10, 2011, at his home surrounded by his children. Tom recently received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was born Oct. 8, 1926, in Carthage the son of the late David and Dora (Stuart) Ray.
He was a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Army. He retired from Dumford Trucking Company where he had worked as a truck driver for many years. He also worked on a farm in the Wilkinson area. He was a member of the Teamster Union and loved to fish and hunt. He married Patricia Ann Jordan on June 25, 1949. She went home to be with the Lord April 10, 2001, exactly 10 years to the day before her husband.
Survivors include five daughters, Penny Jones of Carthage, Nancy (Bill) Vickery of New Castle, Sherry (Roger) Jones of Greenfield, Letha (John) Abrell of Carthage, Vanessa (Ronnie) Peavie of Pendleton; one son, Kenneth “Bud” (Mary) Ray of Carthage; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Delsie Montgomery of Carmel; several nieces and nephews, and a very special friend, Larry Spence of Carthage.
In addition to his parents and wife of 52 years, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Francie Jasper on Jan. 31, 2006; two brothers, Albert and Kenneth Ray; and a sister, Lucille Ray.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2011, and one hour prior to the service Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service Knightstown Chapel. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at the funeral home, with Paul Lawson officiating. Burial will follow in Carthage Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion.
Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association or The American Lung Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com.
