Raymon Ethridge Thompson

1928 ∼ 2013

local_florist Send Flowers

Raymon Ethridge Thompson went to be with the Lord on February 14, 2013.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at Bethel Baptist Church in West Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Olan Thompson and assisting will be Reverend Chad Sangster and Reverend Jack Comer. Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

He was born on April 21, 1928 in Hall Summit, Louisiana to Ethridge and Effie Thompson. After graduating from Ringgold High School in Louisiana in 1947, he joined the Air Force and served for three years before being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force, he graduated from Columbia Bible School and Southern State College. He was ordained to the Ministry in Louisiana on February 9th 1951. Raymon married Grace Venable in 1955, a marriage that endured for 57 years.

He brought his family to Orange in 1967 when he became the pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. In addition to his duties as a pastor, he began working for the West Orange Cove School District in 1969 where he taught U.S. History and Government at Lutcher Stark High School and Theater Arts at West Orange Stark Middle School. He retired from teaching in 1989.

Raymon was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother Earl, sister Eleanor Plunkett and his youngest son, Barry Russell. He is survived by his loving spouse, Grace, sons Charles and Paul, daughters Rebecca Dinges and Karen Mayo, brothers Olan and James, and his sisters Velda Brown, Inice Stephenson and Delores Ward. He was an adoring grandfather to 9 grandchildren April, Brandon, Victoria, Matthew, Michael, Lauryn, Christina, Angela and Aaron. A great-grandfather to 8 great-grandchildren, Amelia, Sydney, Aiden, Clark, August, Devin, Keira and Briley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Tommy Rose for Missionary Funds at the care of Bethel Baptist Church; 2906 Western Ave., Orange, Texas 77630; 409 883-4822.

Condolences

Anonymous February 21, 2013

We are so sorry we could not be there for the remembrance of Uncle Ray. Our prayers go out to you during this time of loss. The great news is that we will see Uncle Ray in Heaven one day soon.##imported-begin##Jamie and Robin Venable##imported-end##

Anonymous February 19, 2013

Sorry can't be there. Family is in our thoughts & prayers.##imported-begin##Lyn Adams##imported-end##

Anonymous February 19, 2013

Thinking of your family at this time.##imported-begin##Robert Thompson##imported-end##

Anonymous February 19, 2013

Sorry for your lost. Family in my thoughts & prayers.##imported-begin##Tom Thompson##imported-end##

Anonymous February 19, 2013

Dear Grace & family, Mr. Thompson was such a joy to know. He always brightened the office with his "contagious" laughter. And, he will surely be missed. Praying for you at this time.##imported-begin##Sherrie Loncon, LVN##imported-end##

Anonymous February 18, 2013

Most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I’m sorry for your loss and your family will be in my prayers.##imported-begin##John Oaks##imported-end##

Anonymous February 18, 2013

May the peace and comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and family during this time of your sorrow. He will uplift and see you through this sad time in your lives.##imported-begin##Norman Miller##imported-end##

Anonymous February 18, 2013

Dear Aunt Grace and Family, Sorry for the loss of Uncle Raymond. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and stories. He will be dearly missed but I know he is at rest and rejoicing in heaven. May the Good Lord give you peace and comfort during this tim##imported-begin##Jared & Judy Thompson##imported-end##

Anonymous February 17, 2013

Dear Grace, Charles, Paul, Becky, Karen, grand and greatgrand chldren. As we grieve the loss of our beloved Raymon, MY BIG BROTHER, may Gods loving arms wrap us in comfort and peace that he is HOME with Jesus. The wonderful memories we each have will li##imported-begin##Inice Stephenson##imported-end##

Anonymous February 17, 2013

Raymon was my older brother by almost eight years. He was a good role model and a faithful friend. I always admired his preaching ministry and that he was able to teach in public school and maitain good family relationships. I will surely miss him, but##imported-begin##Olan Thompson##imported-end##

Anonymous February 17, 2013

Dear Grace and Family, Raymon always impressed me – as did all of his brothers, sisters and parents – as being very kind and loving. Serving our nation in the U.S. Air Force, he was my first childhood hero and I’m thankful that I had th##imported-begin##James Regions##imported-end##

Anonymous February 16, 2013

Dear Grace and Family, My heart is heavy as I think about your loss. Raymon was such a fine gentleman, a true servant of God. May God give you peace and comfort in your time of need. Love, Mary Ann##imported-begin##Mary Ann##imported-end##