Thomas Columbus Ray Sr.

Asheville - Thomas Columbus Ray, Sr., 59, of 3909 Sweeten Creek Road, passed away Sunday, December 26, 2004 at Memorial mission Hospital after a period of declining health. A native of Buncombe County, Mr. Ray had lived for a period of years in El Paso, TX before returning to Buncombe County. He was the son of the late Frederick Uranus and Alma Edna Rice Ray. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Steve Ray and Joe Ray. Surviving are his wife, Ozelle Schultz Ray of the home; his son, Thomas Columbus Ray II and his wife Linda of Weaverville; his two daughters: Tammy Beddingfild and her husband Robert of Swannanoa, and Monica Travis of Asheville; his grandchildren: Sydney Ray and Joshua and Shaun Travis; his brother, Frank Ray of El Paso, TX; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday at Bee Tree Cemetery on Long Branch Road, with the Rev Charles Swann officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Kidney Associates, 10 McDowell St., Asheville, NC 28806. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the Ray family with funeral arrangements.