F. Ray Tolbert, age 81, of Mount Gilead died Monday, July 26, 2010 at Woodside Village Care Center.
He was born on March 7, 1929 in Carrier Mills, Illinois, the son of the late Esco and Nora (Radford) Tolbert.
After graduating from high school in Illinois, Ray continued his education at Carnegie Institute in Cleveland where he received his certification as a medical lab technician. He used his new found skills at Bucyrus Community Hospital, Morrow County Hospital, and was retired from Doctor’s North in Columbus.
Even after retirement Ray could not sit still. He began working as a clerk at the Mount Gilead, Kroger where he was employed for 10 years.
Ray also proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War as a medic.
He was a member of the V.F.W. and the American Legion.
A man of great faith, Ray was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Gilead for over 30 years.
On September 20, 1958 he married Patricia Atkinson at the United Brethren Church in Bucyrus. They lived there in Bucyrus for over 30 years before moving to Mount Gilead. Ray and Pat’s friendship and devotion have spanned over 50 years!
While Ray’s on call schedule kept him busy with work, he found time to read and enjoy his county music. He especially loved reading Western’s and he and Pat would go to concerts together in West Virginia. Ray’s favorite country music star was George Jones.
Ray was a true cat lover and he had a special fondness for a black cat named Ellie.
He will be missed by his wife Patricia of Cardington; their two sons Randall Ray and his wife Susan of Greenfield, Massachusetts and Michael W. of Kissimmee, Florida; 5 grandchildren Andrew, Shane, Evan, Emily, and Meghan; nephews William Jones and his wife Janet of El Dorado, Illinois and Steven Tolbert and his wife Diane of New Albany, Ohio; and nieces Lynda Nelson and her husband Terry of White Fish, Montana, Sheila Cline and her husband Lee of South Gate, Michigan, and Nancy Hepe and her husband John of Westland, Michigan.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey L. in 2003 and his twin sister Dana Faye; twin sisters Aileen Jones and Pauline Craig; sister Dorothy Keller; and his brother Esco Tolbert.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 East High Street, Mount Gilead, with Pastor Charles Graham officiating. Burial with full military honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post #8054 and AmVets Post #87 will take place at Rivercliff Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the church.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead have been entrusted with the arrangements.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Ray’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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