Ray was born on August 31, 1946 in Rehoboth Beach, DE to Frederick D. Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Thomas. He graduated from William C. Jason High School and attended Delaware State University before joining the United States Marine Corp in 1965, where he stood on the hallowed yellow foot prints of Parris Island. As an infantryman in Vietnam he received two purple hearts and honors in battle. After returning from the war, Ray worked at National Cash Register and married Charmaine Dunning and raised one son. In 1972, he reenlisted in United States Marine Corp and served another tour in Vietnam. Upon arriving back in the US, Ray was a drill instructor at MCRD – San Diego, CA and later an instructor at the Officer’s Candidate School – Quantico, VA. With his continued success in the Corp, Ray became a Warrant Officer and progressed to the rank of Lt. Col. before retiring after 36 years of service. His service in the Corp was valued by his peers and colleagues and inspiring to his fellow marines.
After retirement, Ray remarried and settled in Jacksonville, NC with Karen Thomas. In coming years, they moved to Pensacola, FL where he was an active member of the Little Flower Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Some of his hobbies and interest in retirement were road cycling, fishing, and RVing.
Semper Fidelis!
Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Karen H. Thomas, one son, Raymond Thomas and daughter-in-law, Casey Mansfield Thomas of Apex, NC. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Connor Thomas and Ella Thomas.
A visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 from 12: 00 pm - 1:00 pm at Little Flower Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm and inurnment will be at Barrancas National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.
The family has entrusted Oak Lawn Funeral Home with arrangements.
In leiu of flowers we are asking for donations to Prostate Cancer Foundation.
https://join.manyvscancer.org/ray-thomas
