Oh how I miss you papa. There's been so many times I wished I could pick up the phone and hear your voice, just to get a laugh or some painfully honest advice. More than anything I wish I could hear you say "I love you sweetheart" because you made me feel truly loved.

Ray was my favorite cousin. We did a lot together as kids and teens. He was alway a kidder and carried a mischievious smile . I remember him as a butcher at A&P Grocery . Ray, Alva and Toppie were my favorite relatives and I spent many nights at their home watching Dane Clark movies with Aunt Alva. I never got to play golf with Ray; but he kept me informed . Jerry A. Starling, Myrtle Beach, SC

Ray, the "other" brother. The funny one! The story teller, and they were all true! He was light and goodness. He was strength and fierce when needed. He was Ray. His love for his family ran deep and true. Brenda, his love for you shone in his eyes at every look. OK maybe not one or two but most. Oh how he loved you and those you loved. I may not have seen you two very often but no visit to NC was complete without a visit.Thank you for taking the time to come and join us for a visit. We have all been blessed to hear his laugh, his stories, to feel his hugs. To know he cared how you were, how the kids were. I will always remember when the three of us worked on Aunt Fara's kitchen when she was sick. Ray really loved my work ethics, not. And the day he took my kids fishing, desert kids fishing in Raleigh after three days in the car! What was he and Ted thinking!. They too have memories of their "other" uncle. We will always miss him, the room will be quieter on our future trips home. There will never be another, Ray and thank you for bringing him into our lives and sharing him with us. I know he was welcomed by so many that have already left in Heaven. The sun shone brighter with the smiles. I'm sure he and Fred are now solving the problems of the world...

I was a neighbor and friend to Ray and Brenda many years ago. Ray was a fine man. I extend many prayers for peace and comfort to the family. God bless, Barbara Burns Riggs

My best friend and father. There are no words to explain how much I loved him. Each day started with a conversation and always ended with us both saying I love you. My dad was intelligent, controversial, witty, funny, and always let his opinion be known. He was firm in his convictions and underneath that hard surface was a heart of gold. He helped many and sacrificed for the better of friends and family members. I am proud of his accomplishments and the determination he possessed in both life and during the final days of his existence. There has not been a day that I don't think about him and the memories of times we spent together. There will never be another benjamin bluford III. He was truly one of a kind. Dad, I love you and will miss you forever.