James Ray Abell

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)