Ray Alfred Thomas
Ray Alfred Thomas, 73 of Delaware, died Thursday afternoon September 16, 2021 at the Ohio State University Hospital.
He was born October 25, 1947 in New Martinsville, West Virginia to the late Clarence Eugene and Gladys (Patterson) Thomas, he was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law: John and Betty Allen and an infant sister.
Ray was a teacher and coach in every way possible. Throughout his 36 years of teaching, he taught Math and computer science along with a stint of Drivers Ed. He had coached for over 50 years, coaching football, girls’ and boys’ basketball, girls track and baseball. He had also worked as an assistant AD and Athletic Trainer.
Ray had coaching and teaching stops at Cardington, Massillon Tuslaw, Elgin, Otterbein, Gahanna-Lincoln, Olentangy, Olentangy Liberty, Marion Tech and Ohio Wesleyan.
He was proud to receive his 50-year award from the Ohio Football Coaches Assn.
Ray’s players were like family to him, but he had his personal family that he cherished. He was so proud of them and loved to watch all of their activities. It was his true joy in life.
He was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ; he was a current member of the Alum Creek Church.
Ray is survived by his loving family, his wife, Linda (Allen) Thomas, they were married May 11, 1974 in Xenia. Their children: Brian (Annette) Thomas of Upper Sandusky, Angela (Tobias) Thompson of Powell and John “JJ” (Natalie) Thomas of Galena
Seven grandchildren: Tyus Thompson, Garrett Thomas, Lacy Thompson, Alayna Thomas, Colton Thompson, Gavin Thomas and Emerson “Emmy” Thomas
Services to celebrate Ray’s life are being planned for late spring/early summer of next year.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Elgin H.S. Athletic Dept. at 1150 Keener Rd S. Marion, Ohio 43302 and the Olentangy Liberty H.S. Athletic Dept. at 3584 Home Rd. Powell, Ohio 43065
The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com
Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home