On Saturday, January 5, 2019, Thomas Ray, Sr. of Lancaster, loving father and great friend passed away at the age of 94.

Thomas was born in 1924 in Mountville, PA to the late Rev. George D. Ray Sr. and Pearl (Smith) Ray. He was the longtime companion of the late Anna Mae Dixon. He was the former owner and bartender of the South Pole in Lancaster and continued to work part-time as a bartender at Joe Capps until his 86th year.

Thomas was the definition of a "good man". He was sociable, kind and generous of himself. He always helped when needed and lifted spirits of all who needed a friend. His family will remember him as a fantastic cook and his fried fish sandwiches. He was a member of the Conestoga Lodge of Elks, No. 140, later in life, he was baptized and became a member of the Bright Side Baptist Church, where he was a loyal follower of the church and most importantly of God.

He is survived by his children: Suzanne Thomas and husband, Randall, Robert Stewart and his wife, Patricia, Robert Dixon and his wife, Patricia and Tracy Dixon; brothers: Robert Ray, Charles William Ray and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his companion Anna Mae Dixon; a daughter, Beverly Dancer; son, Thomas Ray, Jr; brothers: Edward and George "Baron" Ray.

Home Going Services will be held at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 1PM. Friends and family will be received from 12PM-1PM prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Thomas may be made to Bright Side Baptist Church at the address above.