Mary Ann, we are so sorry for your loss! Although we haven't been in touch since the days when we lived in Richmond and Ray worked out at the Nautilus Fitness Center with David, we still consider you both great friends. I'll always remember how hard Ray worked to be the best! And the revival we attended with you at your church all those years ago. The subject was the beatitudes. I remember your great danes and when you fixed a dinner of venison stroganoff! Maybe one day our paths will cross again. The world will be worse off for the loss of Ray. He was a Christian inspiration to many. We will keep you in our prayers. I know that God can create something positive from this tragedy. God Bless!
Mary Ann, I only learned of Ray's passing from the article in SI a few days ago. I knew Ray at Collegiate, class of '68, and always admired his athletic ability and enjoyed his enthusiam for life and for his friends. He will be missed. My condolences to you and the Easterling family and my prayers for you as you continue your efforts on behalf of other players and their families.
Dear Mary Ann,
My heart has cried buckets when I read in the Daily News Record a "viewpoint" and realized you had lost your dear husband. I remember meeting you before you were married and being invited to your wedding... and attending with my friend, Sue. Had I known you all were going through all of the problems, I could have been praying for you and your family. My heart is full and my love continues to pour out for you. May God continue to encompass you with His love.
Mary Ann and family, I am so sorry that I do not know how to reach you by mail. we have been subscribing to the Richmond paper for a number of years. We still live outside of Harrisonburg since returning here in 1974 from living in Northern VA. Mary Ann, we can only hope you are surviving with the help of friends and family. Our love to you all. this is your cousin, Elaine Hartman McGann, kin to you through relatives in the Mill Creek area. We were in college with Richard and attended the Arlington Church in the early 1970's. email address is auntsis7@verizon.net
Mary Ann and Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I just learned this morning from a call from another Parsons cousin in Texas. My mother and Vivian were first cousins and I have many memories of visits to Wise to visit my great aunts and uncle with my grandparents. I do not recall ever meeting Ray but from reading the condolences, I missed a wonderful opportunity. I took 2 aunts and visited Vivian not long before she sold the "big" house and had not heard that she died. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Dear Ms. Easterling......I just learned of Ray's passing the other night on MSNBC and felt so sad that the game he loved so much could create so much pain and suffering. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember Ray so fondly as he was always so kind to us underclassmen. He was a positive role model and helped me get through the practices with his work ethic and attitude, I was proud to be a DB just like Ray, although I rarely ever played the position before coming to UR. I also enjoyed many pickup basketball games with Ray....he was quite a bballer back then as well. I followed Ray's NFL career and was always proud to say I played with him. I wish you all the best with your suit and hope you receive the justice you deserve. Ray was one of a kind and I can only imagine the influence he had on the people of his life and he will be missed. Jim "satch" Sanders (Rehoboth Beach, DE)
Mrs. Easterling, and family, I am very sorry for your loss. I was a new recruit at A.L. Williams, now Primerica when I met Ray. Not long after I met him, I invited a small group of friends to one of A.L. Williams initial sales(recruit) meetings, at which Ray would be speaking. One of my friends I invited was playing minor league baseball for the Texas Rangers, and was having a lot of trouble adjusting to all of the pressure of professional sports, and I thought wow, if I could introduce my friend to Ray and if he could talk to Ray about sports maybe it would ease his mind. Well, Ray Easterling, great guy that he was, was very oblidging. They did have a nice talk for about 45 minutes or so, and my friend was very grateful. Afterall, they had just met. Ray Easterling was a very genuine, personable, caring man with something to offer everyone that he met, and someone to admire in many ways. What a great loss to us all. May he rest in peace eternally.
I was saddened to learn of Ray's passing. I attended U of R ('71) and enjoyed Ray's football exploits. Your family will be in my prayers. God Bless
To Mary Ann and family, I have just learned of Ray's passing our deepest sympathy & prayers for each of you. Mary Ann you know this is for a short time in relation to eternity and Ray awaiting you in Christ's timing. I thank God for having known you and Ray. Love en Jesus Christ! -
Dear Ms. Easterling--I was 23 years old in 1979, fresh out of UNC journalism school and a sports editor in Laurens, SC. Ray came to the 1st Baptist Church in Clinton, SC to speak and I was there to write a story. I had the opportunity to interview him afterward, and after I'd finished my questions, it was was his turn. He asked if I'd accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Being the cynical, lost soul that I was, I was taken aback and plenty ashamed. I fumbled for some words when a simple no would have done just fine. As embarrassed as I was, I never forgot that encounter because Ray was so bold and straightforward but at the same time very polite. It was 13 years later when I finally did gave my life to Christ, and it took Ray and four others to get me to that point. His bold witness changed my life and my family's. I was unaware of his recent suffering. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family and I pray that God will shower you with His grace and peace.
To the EASTERLING family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P finally and no more pain. -|-
Mary Ann and Elizabeth, My prayers go out to you guys. I thank God that I had the opportunity to be blessed by Ray and your family at Koinonia Fellowship.
Mary Ann - this is Penny!! We have lost contact and am really wanting to get in touch with you - I wanted to send you a card but thought maybe this is the best way. I am shocked, but remember even back those many years ago how he wanted to do his BEST in everything!! You are love and prayed for. Let's keep in touch if you want to.....I do the widow walk pretty good after ALL these years.....
Mary Ann, I knew you and Ray in Bethany Place Baptist Church in Richmond, VA in the late 70's. Ray was a Christian who the Light of Jesus would shine through.I was very sorry to learn in the news of his death. I was, also, sorry to hear of the passing of his mother, a lovely lady in every way.I knew her in the Chesterfield County Schools. The two are re-united with Jesus in Heaven His friend, Dan DeHaan, I am sure is there with Ray also. My prayers are with you. May God bless you as you get adjusted to a new lifestyle-not alone but with God by your side.
Mary Ann,
My wife and I were overtaken in learning of Ray's passing. She knows that I didn't makes many 'friends" (by choice) , but the day I met Ray on the track , I took to him and I think he took to me right away. I would not have Imagined that I would lose this special friend so soon. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. He will always be my "friend".
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I am praying for you.
Mary Ann,
John and I were sadden to hear about Ray's death. Our prayers are with you and Elizabeth.
Sincerely,
Nina Daily
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all I love you
I can not tell you how sorry I was to hear about Ray's passing. He was a pioneer... My husband and I are so thankful to him for bringing light to the way the NFL has treated their alumni. We are forever grateful.
To The Easterling Family:
I was shocked to hear of Ray's passing. I met him while working with Stuart Petrie in the financial services business. He was a terrific person who loved his LORD and his family.
Blessings and Peace.
I am very sorry for your loss..I recall his fantastic
football ability..and I applaud him for having the courage to properly address the issue against the NFL...in an attempt to make it better for future players..
I love you both and cherish our memories! Mary Ann we will connect very soon!
Vicki Trovillion, Florida
My sincere condolences for your loss. May the hearer of prayer help you to endure this Time of sadness, and may he gives you peace as spoken of at Psalms 65:2
Very much in sorrow hearing of Ray's latter days and his passing, but rejoicing that he is now Totally Healed and at "home" with Our Father. I had the great pleasure of getting to know Ray during the 70's as we were teammates on the Athlete's In Action Pro Football teams that traveled thru the country sharing our talents even as we shared our faith. He and I had a special bond as we arrived in the NFL the same year (1972), and he was one of the ones that truly encouraged me in my faith. My deepest condolences to the family, and be encouraged, for we SHALL see him again...
THE RAY EASTERLING FAMILY MAY GOD GIVE YOU COMFORTRAY WAS ONE OF THE NICEST CHRISTAIN MEN ON THE TEAM AT TRAINING CAMP GREENVILLE SC 70s. Jevia Lyn Robinson Greenville SC
Sorry for your loss, he was a great guy for Atlanta sports
Ray & the Easterling Family, Can just send you my prayers. Though we worked only a short while together in the gym years ago & had talks of wonderful experinces & comaradity. Understand now what we did not then. God Bless & Carry On Mrs. Easterling.
My sincere condolences to the Easterling family. It is hard to lose someone close to us.
But please know that God does not forget our loved ones or us as we have to cope with this loss. We are encouraged to throw all our anxieties upon him because he cares for you".
1 Pet 5:7)
Deepest Sympathy to the Easterling family so sorry to here of your loss. Ray will be missed by many. Your in our prayers always.
Sincerely,
Mahoney Family
Mrs. Eastering, I met you and your husband on one of my many trips to your home to provide short term in home care to Mr. Easterling. I remember the conversations we had, and how excited he became when I told him of my fondness for football. Well, I had the most enjoyable mornings during my visits talking with him. He showed me his collections of pictures, footballs, helmet (etc) during his football days. I am Thankful to God for sending me into his life. It is an honor to have met both of you. May God continue to richly bless and keep you and your family.
Isabelle Hilliard, RN
Old Dominion Home Health Services, inc.
May Ray's soul, and the soul of all the faithfully departed,through the mercy of God, rest in peace
To the Easterling family, sorry to hear of your loss. I'm happy to know despite seeing the decline in your husband's health, there are happy and fond memories. God promise in the new world everything that causes pain will not be remembered at Isaiah 65:17.
Blessings and prayers to the entire Easterling family. I knew Ray from our UR days, and would see him every few years - the last time when we sat together at Carl Wood's HOF induction dinner. Ray lived life to the fullest in every respect and was a man of God. I join with so many good folks in saying Ray will be missed tremendously, but his spirit and good works will go on.
Mary Ann,
I am so sorry for your loss. I only know of you & Ray through Jessica & Jeff, my daughter-in-law and son. I know how much Jeff enjoyed getting to know Ray. You and your family are in my prayers.
Fran Pilson
Wishing you the comfort that your very special memories will bring you now.
Best Regards,
Ann Kirkpatrick
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the God of peace.
Ray and your family will be remembered for the light you brought to the football impact on lifespan and health. I played for Purdue in the 50's and have seen my share of damage done on the field. I share your grief but also recognize with Ray with pride as he is a brave honorable man who helped others and his work will continue to do a lot of good.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family...May Ray find the peace he sought now in the hand of God.
God Bless
Larry Kaminski
Denver Broncos
1966..1973
To the family of Ray Easterling - I send you my deepest sympathy. I knew Ray at Collegiate (and he looked just like this picture!) and we were great friends. I remember football games, dances, and him dancing with my mother (much to my dismay)in our kitchen with his great smile and love of life. I am sorry he suffered in the years after his wonderful NFL career. We were all so proud of him! He will always be that friendly, energetic high school friend to me! Although he will be missed by many, I know he will be greeted by many at the gates of heaven!
Ann Crymes Galione, Collegiate '68
May I offer my condolences & prayers to the Easterling Family. I didn't know Ray personally but faced him on the grid iron. He is now in God's hands.
Elizabeth,
Our hearts are heavy. We grieve with you and your family. We have the glorious gift of eternal life through our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. May that comfort you in this time of sorrow. We are here for you and Eric anytime.
Rest in peace Ray and thank you for leading the charge for your fellow warriors.
Mary Ann and Elizabeth.
I know Ray as a Soldier in God's army. Oh, the days we had sharing our faith with others. Lord bless you both.
Tom and Marilyn Graham
Mary Ann, Terry and I are so sorry! Ray was a great guy and will be missed by many. Ray's faith was an anchor for his soul! Now, he is home! I pray you are strong through this temporary tragedy! Steve and Terry Largent
Hopefully, Ray has found the peace he was seeking. We all need to keep him alive in our thoughts and prayers.
Special condolences to his family and close friends.
Ray was a wonderful and friend. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed. Doug Hassell
My sympathy and prayers go out to Ray Easterling and his Family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Ann, my sincere condolence and prayers are with you and the Easterling Family.
to the Easterling Family, my prayers are with you, may God comfort and strengthen you all.
'To the Easterling Family: I am saddened to learn of Rays passing. Ray was a close friend of my brother Jackson Baldwin from U Richmond and after. They palyed on the team together. I got to know Ray too and we all had so much fun together. He will be missed by the Baldwin family. My thoughts and heart are with you at this time. He really was a great guy. After we lost my brother in 1976, I lost contact with Ray, but memories are forever. Blessings to you. Bethany
GOD's blessings upon the Easterling
Family & Friends... These are difficult days for sure, but I pray The LORD's Peace upon you all...
Rev. A. D. Laster, Sr.
Redskins/Lions
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ray Easterling. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. R.I.P. Ray.
My prayer goes out to u an your family.r.i.p
To the the family of Ray Easterling - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Knew Ray from my days at UR. May he rest in peace.
There is never anything easy to say at a time like this. However,I am reminded of younger days when Ray, middle brother of Robert& younger Richard was slight. We played ball in the front yard of their Jahnke Rd home and pounded Ray. He took no prisoners after those days and we are all proud of his accomplishments. We are saddened for his family and can only imagine the pain he suffered for his success. Ray, we thank you for all you stood for. Your parents, Elmer and Vivian welcome you home. I wish that I had kept up better and could have been an adult friend too. may you rest in peace!
Rest in peace, Ray. Your fight will continue.
God bless you.
CTT
So sad to learn of the loss of someone I remember fondly. Great memories of my cheerleading days at UR and getting to know many of the terrific athletes, including Ray. I'll always remember his amazing feats in football, his infectious smile, and his fun sense of humor. We were all so proud of him when he played with the Atlanta Falcons. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers and sympathy to the Easterling family.
My prayers are with your family. Know Ray is at peace.
Mary Ann & Elisabeth,
We are certainly praying for you right now that God will carry you, protect you, sustain and uphold you, and cover you with His grace. Be assured of our love. We will always remember Ray as the Godly man that challenged us to holiness and zeal for our Lord with every conversation we ever had with him.
Mary Ann, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm praying that you will feel yourself embraced by the hand of God with His peace comforting your heart.
So sorry to hear about your loss. His mom was a dear friend of our family and she worked with my mom at Falling Creek Elementary School. She talked about Ray all the time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Anne DuVal Edge
May God bless and comfort you through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
RAY WAS THE BEST RIP RAY TOTHE REMAINING SURVIORS MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU
The resurrection is a wonderful hope for our dead love ones.
Mary Ann, Buffy and I will be praying for you and your family as you go through this time of grief. Ray was truly one of my first spiritual mentors. I enjoyed memorizing scripture with him and Phil R. I will always remember him.
In Christ,
Charles "Rudy" and Buffy Wimmer
Charlotte, NC
Brother, Rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior and jesus christ, may god be with your family at this time of need.
Our heartfelt condolences to Ray's family. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. With deep sympathy,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Rest in Peace Ray
Ed Smith
NFL Alumni & Former Atlanta Falcon
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. May the loving-kindness serve please to comfort me. Psalm 119:76 God being the source of all comfort. May you receive strength in prayer.
The Easterling Family:
Sorry to hear of your loss. I met Ray in he early 80's & remember him as being a very kind person. My prayers are with you all.
Peace,
Betty Prince
Locust Hill, Va
So sorry to hear of Coach Easterling's passing. I met him while coaching for the VA Ravens. He was a very pleasant and caring person. May your family continue to find strength during this difficult time.
Deborah Williams
Richmond,VA
My Thoughts and Prayers goes out to the Family.
We were so sorry to hear about Ray. He was a good friend of my brother, Squeally, all through their teens and 20s. Ray would always stop by our house when he would come home from Atlanta just to have several glasses of my mom's iced tea. He always claimed it was the best!
Our thoughts and prayers to all the Easterlings.
I sure know how awful dementia is and what you and you family have gone through!!
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends.
He now can RIP...
Rest in Peace my friend.
NFL Alumni
Mrs. Easterling and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. As a huge Falcons fan, I have very fond memories of Ray and the Gritz Blitz. I applaud you, Mrs. Easterling, for continuing the fight on these type of injuries. It is about time that closed head injuries get the attention they deserve. I will be praying for you and your family during these difficult days ahead.
my heart felt sympathy goes out to you and your family.Jessie
Mrs. Easterling,
I played at UR with Bob and knew Ray as a freshman my senior year. I followed him through his professional career with great pride in his level of play, his alma mater, and the fact that we both shared the same number jersey.
Ray was a tough, talented individual, who will be greatly missed, but no more so than by you and your family. God is the great Comforter, and always there when we need and seek him.
Please accept my condolences for your loss, which I am sure is great, but seek comfort in the knowledge that he now enjoys the company of his Lord and Savior.