William Ray Townsend
William Ray Townsend
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He is survived by his mother, Nancy Carolyn McArthur Townsend, and sister, Suzanne Townsend Peterson (Jim), and nephew Jimmy and niece Ollie. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Wayne Townsend, Sr. and his brother Thomas Wayne Townsend, Jr. (Tracy). Ray is survived by his three children, William Ray Townsend, Jr., Cayce Joe Townsend, Mary Caroline Townsend, and three grandchildren, Ryleigh Townsend, Liam Townsend and Garret Townsend.
After his years in military service Ray returned to Tuscaloosa as a disabled veteran, and attended Shelton State Community College where he continued to stay active in the music community. Ray found joy in maintaining close connections with friends and loved ones through frequent phone conversations. Ray had a vibrant sense of humor and insightful perspectives on history, politics and everything in between. He was a "super fan" of Saturday Night Live. During the last few years Ray resided at the Crossings at North River where he found a lovely community and enjoyed making new friends. Ray's deep passion for music remained central his entire life. He took pride in his vast collection of new and vintage trombones and tubas as a representation of what he was and what he held dear. Ray often gifted his instruments to dear friends and organizations that had inspired him as a musician. He will be cherished forever by his family and friends.
The family held a private graveside memorial service at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, where he is interned at the family gravesite.
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5434 Old Birmingham Highway, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
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