Thomas Horrell Ray, Sr., age 84, of Little Elm, Texas passed away on February 28, 2025. He was born on January 4, 1941, to Susan “Bessie” (Thompson) and Sydney Ray in Visalia, California. On June 25, 1960, Thomas married Peggy Sue Carter in Sacramento, California.
Thomas is survived by his sons, Thomas Horrell Ray Jr and his wife, Denise of Rio Linda, California, Jeff Ray and his wife, Julie of Little Elm, Texas; his five grandchildren, Andrew Ray of Fair Oaks, California and his wife Jasmine, Kaleigh Ray of Little Elm, Texas, Sarah Ray of Rio Linda, California, Robert Ray of Rio Linda, California, Caden Ray of Little Elm, Texas; his three great-grandchildren, Rylan Ray, Mila Ray, Raedyn Ray; his two siblings, Eddy Ray and his wife, Cherise of Corpus Christie, Texas, Terry Ray and his wife, Korrine of Antelope, California.
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Sue Ray; his parents, Susan “Bessie” and Sydney Ray; his siblings, Sydney Ray, Jack Ray, Fred Ray, and Ted Ray.
“Pops,” as he was affectionately known, lived most of his life in Rio Linda, California, before spending his final years in Texas. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Peggy Carter, and within three months, they were married. This June, they would have celebrated 65 wonderful years together—a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure.
Pops had a deep passion for classic cars and spent countless hours restoring them with pride. Over the years, he brought new life to a Corvette, an El Camino, and a cherished 67 Chevy truck. Pops love for cars led him to being an organizer of numerous car shows from California to Texas, and spent many years as a car show judge for several of the largest car shows on the West Coast.
His love for craftsmanship extended beyond cars—he and Peggy had a knack for remodeling houses. If Peggy found a home she loved, Pops was right there beside her, ready to make it their own. With the kids pitching in, they transformed over 16 houses in 30 years, turning each one into a home filled with love and memories.
His journey started young—at just 12 years old, he was working as a farmhand in Spangle, Washington. By 18, he had already taken his first big step into entrepreneurship, buying his own gas station. He later spent years working for the Rio Linda/Elverta Water District before following his dream of business ownership once again. Alongside Peggy and their son Tommy, he founded a flooring company, THR & Sons. Jeff would eventually join the business and what started as a small venture soon became a nation-wide business.
Pops had a big heart and a deep love for his community. For over 30 years, he dedicated himself to coaching youth sports, even helping to bring American Legion baseball back to Rio Linda. He was a proud member of the Rio Linda/Elverta Historical Society, where he enjoyed helping with “Farm Days” and even served as President. Pops also gave his time to the Rio Linda Lions Club and spent several years as a volunteer firefighter, always ready to lend a hand and protect those around him. His kindness, dedication, and service left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
He lived life with passion and a generous heart. He loved car shows, cheering on his grandkids at their sporting events, and spending time at the casino, trying his luck at the slots. He had a special way of making people feel cared for—if you ever needed anything, Pops was the first to step up and lend a hand. He also cherished time with family and friends, especially over a game of cards, where laughter and friendly jokes filled the room.
More than anything, Pops was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He left behind a legacy of love, kindness, and hard work, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He truly was one of a kind.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 8520 E. Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75033, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Ridgeview West Memorial Park, 7800 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas 75033. You can watch the service via livestream at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/thomas-horrell-ray-sr.