John Ray Thomas

John Ray Thomas departed this life from his home in Huntington Beach on December 5, 2017. He leaves behind the Love of his Life, Linda; six children and four grandchildren.

John was born in Austin, Texas on July 27, 1949. Growing up he lived in Texas, Louisiana, Ohio, New Jersey, Virginia and California. John graduated from Cupertino High School in 1967. He returned to Texas where he enlisted in the Marine Corps in April of 1968. He served honorably and was discharged as a Sergeant in January of 1972.

John settled in Southern California. He found work as a Teamster on a produce dock with Vons Grocery Company, where he worked nights moving fresh produce for the next thirty three years.

In 1992 he met Linda and they married in Maui in 1993. John retired in March of 2005 and he and Linda lived their dream by selling their home in Huntington Beach and moving to the Big Island of Hawaii.

In January of 2006, he returned to work at the Hilo Home Depot where he was a Garden Specialist. In September of 2007, John and Linda moved to Capitola, California and he helped open the Soquel Home Depot.

In April of 2009 John was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer. His disease was deemed inoperable, so he chose a series of treatments designed to afford a certain quality of life.

In July of 2013, John and Linda returned to Huntington Beach, residing in the community of Rancho del Rey. They then became active in their Crosspoint Church fellowship with other believers of God's Grace. The next years presented more physical challenges: Heart surgery, Seminoma, and Cholangiocarcinoma Metastisis. With the support of their many friends they persevered with faith.

John was a man who loved life, his wife Linda and children, and adored his grandchildren. He was laid to rest wearing his favorite Aloha shirt, shorts and "rubbah slippahs." (Spam shoes)

John was loved by all and will be truly missed.

Services will be held on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Crosspoint Church in Huntington Beach, California. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westminstermemorial.net for the Thomas family.