Saying goodbye to Uncle Ray

  Earlier today I paid my final respects to Uncle Ray–it is still hard to believe that a man who was so full of life has been taken from us. Uncle Ray was a unique man to say the least, there was no other person in this world like Uncle Ray–he was one of a kind. He was a kind and decent man who loved life, his family, and his friends–he always had a smile on his face. There was nobody who met Uncle Ray who did not love him for his love of life and his love of family. Everyone who knew Uncle Ray has a story–or ten–to tell about him which brings a smile to the faces of those who knew him. I am smiling even as I write this just thinking of those stories, and Uncle Ray would have it no other way.

  There was not an unkind bone in Uncle Ray’s body, he would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it, he was always there for those that he knew in their time of need. He was a selfless man, there is nothing that he wouldn’t do for his family or friends.

  I think fondly back on those Wednesday nights, so long ago now, playing horseshoes (I never could master that game) and having a few drinks in Uncle Ray’s backyard, and I remember those days playing cards with Uncle Ray, the pool parties, and the barbeques, and it is hard to believe that so much time has passed.

  During his second inaugural address in 1865, Abraham Lincoln said “with malice toward none, with charity for all,” of course he was talking about healing a nation divided, but I can’t help but think that those eight words describe Uncle Ray perfectly.

  Goodbye Uncle Ray, you will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.