Terry D. Ray

Terry Dale Ray

Terry went to heaven, after a long illness, on October 7, 2011 at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, WA. He was born September 3, 1949 in Olympia, WA and married his wife Christine in August 2001.

Terry lived in the South Sound area in his early years. He attended the Washington State School for the Blind in Vancouver, WA, from grade school through high school. After graduation he attended college at Highline Community College, Tacoma, WA, and then graduated from Columbia Basin College, Tri Cities, WA. After receiving his AA degree as a machine operator he worked for Kenworth Company and the Lighthouse for the Blind in Seattle. He decided to change careers and enrolled in the Computer Learning Program at Good Will Industries in Tacoma, WA, he completed the program with honors from his instructor, Al Yardling. Terry went to work for a non-profit business using his computer skills until his resignation due to his failing health.

Terry enjoyed all kinds of sports; football, baseball, soccer, car racing, hunting and bull riding. If you needed a score or information about the team or players, just call him you would get the answer. Most of all he loved talking with and visiting his large family and many friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his wife Christine, father Mel Ray, grandparents Lola and Willard Hogan, and Curtis and Thelma Ray. He is survived by his mother Ada Johnson of Tumwater, two brothers Kevin Ray (Cheryl) of Palm Coast, FL; and Rickey Ray of Port Hadlock, WA , niece Melissa Ray and grand-nieces Isabella and Riley of Port Hadlock, WA, Amber Ray of Columbus, Ohio, nephew Brenton Ray of New Paris, Ohio, numerous aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles, cousins, and their families throughout the United States.

Terry has touched so many of our lives with his humor and love for everyone. He taught us all to never give up when things go wrong; and to always move forward with courage and hope. He climbed a huge mountain with family and God’s help, now he rests.

Our dear Terry you will be missed by everyone.

The visitation will be on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011, from 8:30am to 1:00pm, followed by the funeral service, 1pm, at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, Tumwater, WA. The services will conclude with a graveside service at Odd Fellows Memorial Park, Tumwater, WA, all are invited back to Mills & Mills Funeral Home for a potluck social to share memories of Terry.