Thomas Ray Obituary
The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC. The service will be held at 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Rev. Jeff Bryan, officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery, 4290 Old York Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Born in Columbia, SC, Mr. Ray was the son of the late Severn Malcolm Ray and the late Virginia Harmon Ray. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Severn Malcolm Ray, Jr. Surviving are his daughter, Catherine (Ron) Mabry of Fort Mill, SC; his son, Thomas B. (Cari) Ray, Jr. of Greenville, SC; his brother James Ray, and sisters, MaryAnn West and Virginia Oliver; and five grandchildren.
Mr. Ray ("Coach Ray") was a retired football coach and biology teacher, having coached and taught at Northwestern High School for over 20 years. He helped the Northwestern Trojans win several state championships during his time there. As a young man and starting quarterback of the Clemson football team, he was a three-time letterman and two-time ACC Championship winner. He also enjoyed tennis and gardening; and was a member of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Ray 's name to Clemson IPTAY fund.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Dana Moree
January 1, 2026
Catherine I am so sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. He was such a kind & loving soul. You were blessed with awesome parents.
You have been in my thoughts & prayers.
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Gary Leopard
December 31, 2025
Coach Ray was a good man. I´ll never forget wearing his rain jacket at the 1993 Northwestern championship game against Gaffney where they won 2-0. I have a picture of me wearing it coming onto the field. He told me a story while in Clemson at the championship game. While at the game he told me of his times playing with Clemson. Lord bless his family during this time.
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2133 Ebenezer Road P.O. Box 37537, Rock Hill, SC 29732
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