Funeral service for Ray Emory Thompson was held Saturday, July 30, at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton. A graveside service was held Sunday, July 31, at Screven County Memorial Cemetery in Sylvania.
"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 Mr. 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, Michigan to parents, Howard Willis Thompson and Rachel Arlene Thompson. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and 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 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 were 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 who knew Ray, many characteristics come to mind. A man who lived by his faith and one who set a great example for his family and anyone else who came in contact with him. A calm and gentle giant who 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, and Sanford Thompson and wife, Susan of Clayton; two sisters, Shirley Nichols and late husband, Grady of Clayton and Mary Williams and husband, Bob of Clayton. Ray is also survived by 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.
Donations should made to Samaritans Purse or Bethlehem Baptist Church Redeemed Ministries in Clarkesville.
An online Memorial Register Book is available at beckfuneralhome.com.
Beck Funeral Home in Clayton was in charge of the arrangements.