July 20, 2023, 89, Goldsboro —

Ray B. Thomas, 89, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023, surrounded by his family at his home. A native of Anson County, he was the son of the late Lee and Vera Thomas.

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, working as a jet engine mechanic and was a Vietnam veteran. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Ray and his brother-in-law John McNeill owned and operated a television sales and repair shop on Berkeley Boulevard in Goldsboro. He was an active member and served as an Elder at Gateway Community Church in Pikeville. He was active for many years in Civitan and served as president for two years.

.

Ray is survived by his wife, Audrey Martin Thomas of the home, and daughters; Debra T Striplin (Brad), of Pittsboro, and Cathy T Lee (Michael), of Thomasville; his son, David R Thomas (Aida), of Hahira, GA; grandchildren, Michael Brown, Marianne Livengood, Pedro Romero, Josue Romero, Stacie Boyer, and Lindsay Striplin; and great-grandchildren, Rhys Boyer, Emersyn Boyer, Locklan Boyer, Jacob Livengood, and Rachel Livengood. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy McNeill; brother, Robert Thomas; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by a sister, Irma Dunn, and a brother, Joseph Thomas.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Gateway Community Church located at 401 W Main St Pikeville, NC 27863. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Princeton. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Gateway Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gateway Community Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.