OBITUARY
James Ray Abell
October 18, 1951 – October 18, 2012
ABELL, James Ray, 61, of Powhatan, passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 18, 2012 and began his final and greatest venture. Ray leaves behind his cherished Shirley of 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jean Abell of Richmond. Other relatives include aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. By his own vision and hands-on determination, Ray strove for perfection in each of his ventures. He began his business career in 1986 by creating Time Photo, a single photo lab offering customers a new level of service and technology. The chain of stores was sold when Ray decided to pursue a new venture. He had discovered Japanese koi fish. He had fallen in love with the beauty, symmetry, and history of what he admired as living art. Ray dug a single pond in 1991, and Nishikigoi of Niigata was born. Over the next 21 years, Ray’s passion for excellence never wavered. Whether his focus was on his koi, his beloved pets, or perfecting his skills in the world of drag racing, he never settled for second best. Ray took his dreams, and worked tirelessly until they each became truly unique realities. His path was blessed with unbreakable bonds of true friendship. Special thanks are given to the Maulding and Nichols famililes. His remains rest at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Road, where the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday and where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday. Entombment Dale Memorial Park with a reception to follow at Bethia United Methodist Church, 10700 Winterpock Road, Chesterfield, Va. 23832. Online condolences to WoodyFuneralHome.com.
To view a special online tribute of Ray's life, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nIk--gCTaY
(copy and paste link to browser if necessary)
REMEMBERING
James Ray Abell
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RECEIVE UPDATESguy pujolle
February 20, 2018
From all that i have read you are a great person still alive in your close ones.I wish i would of met you for we could have exchange about everything. God bless you!
Fran Douberly Boston
October 23, 2012
Shirley, I lost track of Ray after High School, and are pleased he found you. He was a handsome , sweet young man and very talented. As I read this sad news I am overjoyed of the Outstanding Endeavors & life choices,I only wish our paths had crossed again,esp. with the koi pond! God Bless You Sweetie, Jesus will wrap HIS Love around you and Comfort you..RAY had been on my mind, since I had missed him at the latest reunion...Another Lancer in Heaven...We really did love one another.. Hope you can join us sometime. God Bless You & Thanks for making him Happy!
October 22, 2012
I just read in the paper about ray abell. He was my manager at Time Photo. I enjoyed working for him and learned at about the photo business. I send my deepest condolences to Shirley and Ray's family. God bless you.
johnise dupree 804-513-0054
Doug and Nancy Tatz
October 22, 2012
Ray was a good and true friend. I still have a few memories of him in my pond and will forever remember him. My wife and I loved his stories, the pig roasts he sponsored here in Atlanta, his absolute joy and passion for Koi and anyone who shared those passions.
My wife and I express our sincerest sympathy's to his family.
Betty Gray
October 22, 2012
Shirley, Very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Betty Lou & everyone from Uncle Lloyd's family.
Susan Payne
October 22, 2012
Shirley, I don't expect you to remember me but I certainly remember you and Ray. I used to come to the koi events with Jessie. I left Northern Virginia and live in Prince George now. I was shocked when I read the paper and saw that Ray had passed. He was such a recognized expert on koi and had such a kind soul. May you and your family find peace in knowing he is with the Lord.
Greg Hicks
October 22, 2012
lived 4 houses down from Ray (during elementary and high school)and across the road from his grandparents. Hadn't seen him since about two years after we got out of high school. Neighborhood baseball, football, boxing, campouts and Friday night poker games with him and his mother are all great memories...deepest sympathy to the family....
Randall Haynes
October 21, 2012
God speed my dear friend I will miss you. Randall Haynes
Andrew DeSantis
October 21, 2012
He was a friend and a great mentor in Koi, Ray will be greatly missed. My condolences to Shirley his wife and his family.
October 21, 2012
Shirley im sorry for your loss Ray was a great guy and friend. Randall Haynes
KaKathy Barthelemy Borneisen
October 21, 2012
Shirley my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It was a pleasure working with you guys at Time Photo Lab.
October 21, 2012
Shirley, We are truly sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Aunt Evelyn's Family
Nancy & Ernie Wright
October 21, 2012
Shirl,we will miss our brother-in-law in many ways: fun in Hatteras, Family holiday gatherings, Koi fests,& the Race track.Also admired Ray's love for the "outdoors", trees and rocks.
We are here for you.
Love you sis,
Ken Richards
October 21, 2012
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences on Ray's passing. His infectious smile and the pride he showed in his koi is something I will never forget. The koi world will never be quite the same without him. Rest in peace Ray.
Linda O'Brien-Liles
October 21, 2012
Shirley I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. He was an all around great guy and cousin. He will be missed by all that knew him. My prayers are with you.
Linda (Williams) Odell
October 21, 2012
To Ray's Family.
I have not seen Ray since High School. It is very sad to hear that he has past. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours.
Rodney Sineath
October 20, 2012
I am very sad over the passing of my childhood friend of over 50 years. Rest in Peace, Ray. Will never forget you, your friend Rodney.
Nigel Caddock
October 20, 2012
Ray touched lives all over the world, his larger than life personality and natural warmth generating affection and lifelong friendships that in this mad world are genuine and real. Rest easy my friend.
Nigel Caddock, England
Tom and Jennifer Walker
October 20, 2012
Ray was our mentor in Koi since 1998. His incredible love for this hobby will be missed by not just us but the entire koi hobby. His passion and love for the koi was what made him so special to all that knew him. The memories of the times that we spent with him and his spirit of caring for all living things will remain in our hearts and minds forever. We will miss him.
Darren Lucas
October 20, 2012
Darren Lucas
October 20, 2012
Darren Lucas
October 20, 2012
Darren Lucas
October 20, 2012
mike,shelli, and kids
October 20, 2012
love and support for my aunt shirl, uncle Ray will be missed. the loss will be felt for a long time, and his memory will last forever
Tom and Cindy Graham
October 20, 2012
Thanks Ray for the great memories and the beautiful koi you were a part of. Our condolences to your wife and family.
Joe and Sheila Bowles
October 20, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers to Ray's family during their time of sorrow.
October 20, 2012
The memories of the times we spent with him, his wonderful spirit for all things living will remain within our hearts and minds forever. He was a remarkable man and wise friend and mentor. We will really miss him.
Jennifer and Tom Walker ( Dallas, Texas)
Scott Maulding
October 20, 2012
God speed my dear friend the track will always be right. The koi will always be perfect and more better. You will always hold a place in our hearts. I thank God for bringing our Families together. Forever in peace you will be. You suffer no more and are Free now Ray.
Dave & Lois Nichols
October 20, 2012
Ray was our friend for about 15 years. We will for ever miss him, and so will the Koi world. Rest in peace, good friend.
Scott Maulding
October 20, 2012
Friend,Brother,Mentor and Dearly Loved. Ray Virginia Motorsports Park is Racing in your memory this weekend. God Speed to you. The track in heaven is always as you said "just right" I am sure the koi gods welcomed you with open arms. The koi are more better and you are always with them now. Walking,breathing and strong as ever. I will always miss you my friend. Scotw
Scott Maulding
October 20, 2012
There are no words that can express the loss of Ray, friend,mentor,brother you never had. Virginia motorsports park is running with his memory this weekend.
There is no speed limit in heaven and the track is always right! God speed my friend. You are free to breath,free to run and oh how big the koi in heaven are. We will always love you Ray and never forget you. Scott
Josh
October 20, 2012
Ray will be missed, he was a dear friend and a great mentor.
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