Rayford Alonzo Ellis

Mr. Rayford Alonzo Ellis, 74, of Thomasville passed away, surrounded by the love of his children, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Piedmont Crossing in Thomasville, where he was welcomed into the arms of the Lord. Ray, also known as “Tommy,” was driven by a strong work ethic that shaped everything he did, whether running his business, “Ray’s Grading,” with skill and dedication or spending time on the things he enjoyed—building barns, tending to livestock, putting up fences, and preparing for hunting season by crafting tree stands. He took pride in every job, tackling each task with determination and precision. But Ray also believed in playing hard—when the job was done, he found joy in the outdoors, whether hunting, riding his motorcycle, riding horses, ATV off-roading, or working on his next outdoor idea. He also had a deep appreciation for muscle cars. Ray had a gift for working with his hands—he could fix and build anything. His remarkable ability to construct, repair, and craft never ceased to amaze those who knew him. Ray was preceded in death by his father. Surviving are his mother, Elgie Grey Raynor of Thomasville; two children, Melody Deang and husband Jonathan, Jonathan Ellis and wife Amanda, all of Thomasville; three granddaughters, Taylor Ellis, Emilia Deang, and Sophie Deang. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Thomasville with Rev. Steve Martin officiating. Rev. Mark Mullins will be delivering a message remotely. Burial will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park Cemetery in Thomasville. The family will greet friends prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Ray’s family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to the staff of Piedmont Crossing for the exceptional care they provided. They treated him like one of their own, offering him kindness, compassion, and a sense of family that meant so much. And, of course, they always made sure he was well-fed, keeping him happy with his favorites—chocolate candy, chocolate-covered cream-filled doughnuts, Oreos dipped in milk, and vanilla ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate syrup. It was clear they knew the way to his heart. Ray fought through Parkinson’s, a disease that took so much, yet he never gave up. With unwavering determination, he learned to face each day, humble in spirit and strong in will. As Ray’s body grew weaker from Parkinson’s, his faith in the Lord grew stronger each day. Even in the midst of his struggles, he found strength in God’s unwavering faithfulness. Psalm 84 beautifully reminds us, “What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises…For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:4, 11, NLT). Ray learned to trust in God, who provided him with the strength and peace that carried him through his final days, and it is the same faith that comforts us now. Forever loved, always remembered.

Rayford Alonzo Ellis

March 12, 1950 - January 29, 2025

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