THOMAS, Ray Jr., of Benwood, W.Va., passed away quietly on Friday, June 9, 2017 after a brief illness.
He was born December 2, 1931, in Wheeling, W.Va., a son of the late Ray Thomas Sr. and Hedwig (Long) Thomas.
He was an avid hunter and lover of wildlife, Ray spent his younger years hunting, later serving as a founding member of the Wildlife League of Ohio County, where he spent some time as treasurer. He enjoyed watching for deer, turkeys, and other wildlife at the home he and his sons built. This home overlooked a cow pasture and wooded area, where Ray would regularly watch for wildlife in his binoculars. Ray enjoyed visiting Amish Country and regularly went on day trips to Rogers Flea Market. Ray was also a life member of the Cave Club in his early years.
Ray first worked at Continental Can in Pittsburgh, Pa., and later worked at Ohio Valley Lithography, and served as Bindery Supervisor at Boyd Press.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jerrie (Breiding) Thomas in 2001, whom he absolutely adored and, in his words, was the “prettiest girl in his class”, his brother-in-law, Gregory Breiding, his sisters, Lil (Lucy) Thomas, Vi (Hagerman) Thomas, and Rose (Vossen) Thomas, and one son, Ray “Steve” Thomas in 2017.
He is survived by one son, Terrence (Brenda) Thomas of Sherrard, W.Va.; granddaughter, Whitney (Nick) Healy and his great grandson, Hudson Healy of Moundsville; his grandson, Kenton (Samantha) Thomas of Towson, Md.; his daughter-in-law, Monti (Hinegardner) Thomas of Moundsville; his grandson, Stephen (Erin) Thomas; his great grandchildren, Hannah, Hayden, Jackson, and Jude Thomas of Moundsville; his brother-in-law, Tom (Mary) Breiding of Wheeling; his sister, Mil (Thomas) Morrison; his dog, Petey; and his “adopted” cat, Toby and Tut.
As Ray Wished, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Marshall County Animal Shelter, 37 Animal Shelter Drive, Moundsville, W.Va. 26041 or through www.tmcfunding.com (Click Here)
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com
My sincere and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ray. Denny Albaugh
Sorry for your loss. May the family find comfort through reliance Jehovah God, the hearer of prayer and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our trials. He invites you all to throw all your burdens on him and he will sustain you in your time of grief, because he cares for you.
So sorry to read of uncle Ray’s passing. This has certainly been a difficult few months for the Thomas family.
Terry sorry to here about your dad he was a great guy,to us kids while growing up. Rember when he use to take us to the Wild Life League & the the old Kain club,so many good memory’s I can see him now,standing on your porch in East Whg.with a fish bowl of Beer and a couple of pretzels RIP Ray you was one of the good guys>
Was so saddened to receive the phone call from Whitney – Ray was a part of our lives at Boyd Press and beyond. He was Joe’s right-hand man. Our daughters, Debbie and Cathy, worked with him during summer months – and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with you –
SORRY TO THE PASSING OF RAY, I WORKED WITH HIM AT OHIO VALLEY LITHOGRAPHY..