Raymond George Thomas (21 Apr 1950 - 3 Dec 2023)

In loving memory of Ray George Thomas who sadly passed away on 3rd December 2023.

Loving husband and father, community figure, and a friend to many, Ray had an eventful life. From a young age, Ray developed a passion for cars, to the point he took his parent's car out for a spin aged 14. Evidently, he had a reckless side to him. He began an apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering after school which saw him become a qualified engineer, however he found himself follow a path into sales. Combining his interest in cars, Ray became a car salesman and enjoyed a long career in the industry selling your standard cars to luxury cars and even hearses.

Ray's career in sales didn't stop at cars, however. He later joined various health and safety companies selling PPE, amongst other things, as Regional Manager for all which saw him travelling from place to place connecting with people. During this time, Ray joined the Purton Parish Council in 2004 with the expectation of staying for only a couple of years. Little did he know, he would remain in the council 20 years later, becoming Chair in 2013.

A year prior to joining the parish council, Ray began volunteering as a fosterer for Cats Protection. 20 years of service to the charity had meant many cats have been taken off the streets, nurtured, and adopted by loving families. Animals made up a big part of Ray's life and he served as a volunteer right up until his passing.

In 2015, Ray finally retired from work and began living 'the good life', kicking up his feet and watching TV. His passion for cars didn't cease later in life as he continued to collect and restore classic cars.

May he rest in peace.