Raymond Louis Lacomba

Raymond Louis Lacomba, 64, of Atlanta, GA, passed away April 18, 2023.

Ray was born September 8, 1958, in Columbia, SC. Growing up in a large family with eight siblings, there was endless laughter, sibling battles, and a few tears. Ray absolutely loved being an identical twin with his brother, Ralph, and the special bond they shared. After graduating from AC Flora High School in 1976 he moved to the New York City area driving in his 1971 Ford Pinto with 48 dollars in his pocket. There, he would start a new life full of adventure, friends, and cars where he lived happily for 32 years.

With his love, and encyclopedic knowledge of cars, Ray embarked on a career in the automobile industry, becoming an accomplished and sought after sales executive, earning local and national honors. Additionally, he developed videos which were used nationally for automotive sales training programs. He returned to Columbia, SC in 2012 after his mother's battle with cancer. He then settled in Atlanta, GA for the last 10 years where he continued in his automotive career with Angela Krause Lincoln. He prided himself on his sense of style (and always insisted his twin brother dressed stylishly as well). Ray was a loving uncle who cherished spending time and sharing advice with his nieces and nephews.

Beside family and friends, Ray's passion was for classic cars. A lifelong dream was recently fulfilled when he acquired a 1957 Buick Super Riviera, reminiscent of a car owned by his parents when he was a child. Ray loved cooking, creating new dishes, and making his special pimento cheese for family and friends. He was loved and admired by his many friends in local classic car clubs and the gay community.

He was the most loving, caring, and generous brother, uncle, and friend one could hope for. He had a zest for living life fully; at gatherings, he could always be found telling wonderful stories and jokes. His laughter would carry throughout the room. He found ways to be of service to those in need and stood up against perceived injustices. He will be greatly missed and always remembered by his family and friends.

Ray was preceded in death by his father Ret. Lt. Col. Miguel Lacomba, his mother Aurea (Rivera) Lacomba, and sister Elsa "Chiqui" Lacomba. He is survived by his twin brother Ralph Lacomba (Melona), his brothers; Miguel "Mike" Lacomba (Robin), and Francis "Frank" Lacomba, his sisters; Angeles "Angie" Lacomba Eames (Marshall), Agnes Lacomba, Lourdes Lacomba Tate (John), Marise Lacomba Shumpert (Frank). He was a loving uncle to Lawson, Ashley, Jessie, Michael, Christopher, Luisa, Briana, Anthony, Morgan, Johnny, Lauren, and Emily. Ray also leaves behind his precious dog, Barney, whom he loved.

In honor of his beloved dog, Barney, a rescue who saved Ray as much as Ray saved him, donations or pet supplies can be made to the Atlanta Humane Society, 1565 Mansell Rd., Alpharetta, GA, 30009, 404-875-5331.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date for Atlanta, GA and Columbia, SC.