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Submitted: 5/24/21 • Approved: 5/26/21 • Last Updated: 6/29/23 • R1375162-G0-S3
July 12, 1954 - September 10, 2017
Thomas Ray "T.Ray" Willis was born in Camden, Arkansas on July 12, 1954 to the proud parents of the late Christell Willis and Ira Strong.
Thomas Ray accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of the Greater St. Paul Baptist Church. He graduated from Camden High School in 1972 where he was a star football player and track star. He also attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas now known as (Southern Arkansas University). He was a member of Star Riders motorcycle club. He was employed for 27 years by International Paper Company and also by Inspec Foams, Inc. of Magnolia, Arkansas for six years.
Thomas was a lover of people and he never met a stranger. He possessed a very kind and caring spirit. He has an innate love of sports. Never one to miss any football or basketball games. He loved watching sports on TV. He was also a diehard CNN fan, always keeping up with what was going on in the world. He loved going to OCMC everyday to have lunch with his friends.
Early in life Thomas was married to Jessie Neal and to this union three children were born. Later in life he was married to Patsy Harris, who preceded him in death.
On September 10, 2017 Thomas was called home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and five sisters.
He leaves to cherish his loving memory one son Ta’Ki Willis of Camden, Arkansas, four daughters Ka’Talyia Willis of Camden, Arkansas, La'Tyra Willis and Courtney Purifoy both of Dallas, Texas, Triston Murray of Camden, Arkansas, six grandchildren, Jaelyn Purifoy, Jamila Purifoy, Kaden Fields , Khyri Hall, Ta'Kylan Willis and Keystin Willis. Four sisters, Willie L. Harris of Sacramento, California, Nellie Bryant, Charlean McKinney (Richard) and Mearl Willis all of San Diego, California. He also leaves three special friends of more than 45 years, Sylvester Smith, Charles Easter, and Clarence Woods. Thomas leaves a loving fiance’ Marilyn Harris and three God children, Cody Harris, Breanna Furlow, and Carrington Furlow. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Contributed on 5/24/21 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1375162