Thompson

On Oct. 22, 2013, our Lord and Savior called home one of the most precious souls on earth, Raymond D. Thompson, 76, of Florida.

He was born on May 27, 1937.

Ray left his home in Slippery Rock in 1957, after enlisting in the Navy and made Pensacola, Fla., his home. Ray was a charter member of The Loyal Order of Moose, a valued volunteer and assistant chief at the Myrtle Grove Volunteer Fire Department, and an auxiliary deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff's Department. He had a lifetime of making great memories dancing, singing, fishing, boating, gardening and bowling with family and friends.

Ray is survived by his wonderful lifelong friend, Norma Owen; his daughters, Becky Fore, Zelda Thompson and Cindy Smith; his brother, Donald (Dorothy) Thompson; his sisters, Viletta Gardner, Nellie Morgan, Edna Balkco and Zelda Toland; his brother-in-law, Gregory (Tina) Thompson; his sister-in-law, Barbara Lackey; his grandchildren, Jimmy, John, Joey, Candi, Brandi and Austin; his great-grandchildren, Cody, Hannah, Breanna and Noah; his 30 nieces and nephews, and a host of loving friends.

Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of 33 years, Catherine; his brothers, Harry Lou and Willis; his sisters, Alice, Mary and Reatha; his daughter, Terry; his grandson, Scott, and his great-grandson, Wyatt.

The family would like to thank the Myrtle Grove Fire Department and the Escambia County Fire and Rescue Honor Guard for their presence in memory of our father, grandfather and friend, and a very special thank you to Norma Owen for always being there.

THOMPSON — A funeral service for Raymond D. Thompson, who passed away Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at thePensacola Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Pensacola, Fla. Interment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Garden Cemetery.For more information, go to PMGFuneralHome.com.