Theodore H. Ray

Theodore “Theo” Howard Ray July 16, 1938 - December 12, 2018

West Columbia- Theodore “Theo” Howard Ray of West Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday December 12, 2018 at 3:00 PM. Theo was born in Barnwell South Carolina to George Elias “G.E.” Ray and Estelle Virginia Sanders Ray. Theo was the baby of nine children. Theo had four brothers that preceded him in death, Ralph J. Ray, Harold C. Ray, Charlie “Leighton” Ray, Bobby D. Ray, and four sisters, three that preceded him in death, Elizabeth Browning, Willie Mae Layson, and Polly R. Dorn and one surviving sister Louise R. Rimer. Theo was sadly predeceased by his only son, Stephen Howard Ray. Theo is survived by his only daughter Sonia Ray Neal (John), Grandchildren, Ashley Neal Pritchard (Travis) Stephanie M. Neal (Bubba) Eric M. Ray, Bret M. Ray, and Noah Stephen Ray, Great Grandchildren, Jayden Stuart Ray, Brayden John Neal, Nathaniel Ray, and Aubrie Mae Pritchard. Theo was in the Navy and went around the world. While he was in the Navy he learned about Jehovah God and dedicated his life by water immersion in 1962. Theo was a very spiritual man and loved teaching others about God’s Word. He took it seriously to follow Jesus command to go forth and preach the Good News. He did this in the hospital and with hospice. His favorite scripture was John 3:16 he would get emotional talking about this scripture because he realized the impact of what God did for us all! Theo especially loved his family. He was a family man and he took his job as a father and grandfather as a special gift from Jehovah! Theo loved animals especially his little dogs, he had many pets in his lifetime including cats, bird, a squirrel and a pig! Theo loved being outdoors and appreciated all the beauty that Jehovah created for his enjoyment! He loved gardening and could grow fine vegetables that he always shared. He loved growing flowers especially daylillies and even hybridized some of his own creations. He was also a talented photographer and artist. He loved doing genealogy research and loved geography and history. We would like to extend some special Thank You’s to our Brothers and Sisters in the local Congregation’s of Jehovah’s Witnesses and our other dear friends and family. Also to Tidewater Hospice, Dr. Asheesh Lal Lexington Oncology, Morgans Pharmacy, Marguerite and Alex Murphy, Fran Morris.