Thomas J. Ray

Thomas James Ray, 57 beloved son, husband, father and grandfather born April 2, 1963 to James Allen Ray and Joyce Ann Ray of Mt. Summit left this earth surrounded by family and friends and went to meet his Heavenly Father on Saturday, February 27, 2021. His battle is done the race has been won.

A 1981 graduate of Blue River Valley High School, he attended Ivy Tech of Muncie for 4 years studying tool and die. He worked 14 years at Delaware Machine and 2 years at Yorktown Tool & Die. After that he decided to go out on his own to work in construction with a job he loved most. He was the owner of Tom Ray Construction where he built relationships with many for his keen eye for perfection, hard work and treating his customers with the highest integrity.

Tom was a member of South Side Church of the Nazarene in Muncie, where he taught Sunday school and served as a board member. His love of sports led him to coach his grandchildren in baseball, t-ball and help organize The Sports and Recreation Ministry at South Side Church of the Nazarene. With a basketball league established, he met many to whom he could minister to. Tom enjoyed most of his free time with family playing games, going on adventures and creating memories. He was a past member of the Blue River Valley Optimist club and served on the Integrity Committee of Delaware County for a few years. He will truly be missed by all.

Tom leaves his parents Jim and Joyce Ray of New Castle; his wife Melinda, to whom he was married 36 years; his daughter Jessica (Ray) Walker (husband TJ) of Daleville, along with their children, Wyatt, Nolan, Scarlett, Ryleigh and Logan Walker; his son Chad Ray (wife Chelsy) of Losantville along with their children, Ckinley, Cayson, Callan and Crossten; his brothers: Jeff Ray (wife Judy), Randy Ray (wife Shari), both of New Castle and Tim Ray (wife Debbie) of Tipton; brother-n-law: Tim Rogers of Michigan; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Judd and Juanita Ray; his maternal grandparents: Fred and Pauline Ritchie and several aunts, uncles and cousins.


A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at South Side Church of the Nazarene, 3500 W Fuson Rd., Muncie, IN 47302 with Pastor Neal Peterson officiating. Friends and family may call between 2-6 P.M. Tuesday, prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in Mt. Summit Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to MDS at patientliaison@mds-foundation.org . Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Due to COVID-19 and the governor’s mandate, facial coverings are required. You may express condolences or share a memory of Tom at www.hinsey-brown.com .