Ray Thompson

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Raymond “Ray” Thompson, 90, passed away on September 2, 2026, in Pineville, Missouri. He was born in Rolla, Kansas to Dorothy (Salmon) and Lloyd Thompson. Raymond is survived by his son Raymond Bruce Thompson (Conroe, TX), daughters Linda Gayle Thompson (Houston, TX), and Kimberly Ann Thompson (Canyon Lake, TX); daughter-in-law Cassy and son-in-law Daniel; grandchildren Raymond Garrett Thompson (Olivia) and Jonathan Ryan Thompson; sister Francis Jean Billings; and brother James Russell Thompson. He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Betty Lynn Thompson, brother Windell Delano Thompson and sister Nancy Ellen O’Neal.

Raymond was the oldest of five children. Kansas in 1936 was a particularly hard place to be with the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and the Stock Market Crash that led to banks failing. Dorothy and Lloyd’s marriage failed, too.

Fleeing the hardship of Kansas, Dorothy, four children and a fifth on the way set off for a better life. Dorothy acquired a small 20-acre farm with a little house on Thief Hollow Road. At ten years old Raymond, became the man of the house and worked hard in support of his mother and siblings as they started over. Preparing the raw land for an animal pasture and a large garden proved to be a lot of work! Soon after with the purchase of a milk cow and the garden producing, the future was brighter.

Raymond’s battery radio blared country music at 5:30 every morning. It is believed to be the origin of his yodeling. A talent he used to impress the gals. Fastidious at a young age, siblings waited impatiently for a chance at the mirror, while he would apply Wild Root Oil and comb and comb until his hair was just right.

Raymond was curious and adventurous from the start. He tested gravity by jumping off the fence post, attempting a summersault and nearly landing on his feet. He ordered black powder to shoot a 1846 Winchester rifle he purchased at a Pineville thrift store. Mom quickly returned it. Then he ordered a brand-new 22 rifle from the Sears catalog.

Raymond’s prized mare, Wingfoot (sold to buy Betty’s engagement ring) carried him through the hills and valleys of McDonald County. He explored the land, caves, rivers, creeks and more. The people he encountered along the way were interesting to him and many became friends. As with the rest of his life, he loved hearing people’s stories. He was very social and never met a stranger. If they shared a beer, they had a bond!

Raymond was touched by the kindness of others and shared a couple stories from school. There were tears in his eyes every time he shared them. In school, the librarian, Miss Cheneworth, had a special chair and a place where he could read every chance he had. He was a voracious, fast reader with the ability to retain it all. Observing his athleticism and knowing the family was just getting by, Mr. Helvy, the superintendent of the Pineville school, purchased track shoes so he could be on the team and compete. He excelled at running and set some records. These acts of kindness meant so much and shaped his future of kindness to others.

After working summers in wheat fields and being a farmhand, Raymond stated to his family, "I will not be a fieldhand or a farmer. I will get an education, sit on my ass and make a million."

To make that happen, Raymond left his high school sweetheart, Betty Lynn Testerman, to attend Panhandle A&M College while she was attending Draughon’s Business College in Lubbock. They married in 1956 and moved to Tulsa. Raymond graduated from The University of Tulsa in 1959 with a BS in Business Administration. With a 1-year-old named Linda Gayle, the trio moved to Houston, Texas.

Raymond was hired as an accountant for Getty Oil Company. The executives realized this young intelligent go getter belonged in management. They were also impressed that he graduated 11th in his high school class. Funny that no one asked how many. There were 12. Raymond worked closely with the eccentric J Paul Getty and traveled the world. He told many interesting and even harrowing tales. On a small plane headed to Venezuela, the plane was refused a landing, so the pilot said throw out everything to save gas. When he saw a bottle of whiskey about to be tossed out, he grabbed it. We need this if we’re going down. When the Saudi princes and guards were in town, Raymond was asked to entertain them. Clad in new cowboy boots and hats, they headed to the famous Gilley’s honky-tonk. Those princes sure could ride a mechanical bull. Early in his career, he learned that the golf course was where many deals were made, and he learned to play well.

Raymond always planned an annual family road trip vacation to someplace new and exciting. It was thrilling to see a goat drink beer and stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon with wind howling. There were also trips back home to visit family. All were fun and full of adventure with his siblings, nieces and nephews. In summer the kids filled the back of his truck, and everyone went to the river. He was a good, strong swimmer and would let the children drink all the pop they wanted. For dinner, he would say he was grilling yummy racoon or possum. These were great times for all.

After Raymond and Betty retired, his wanderlust expanded in a silver bullet airstream travel trailer and off they went. Volumes of travel photos and journals as well as more adventurous stories were created along the way. Raymond’s incredible memory could tell you every highway and scenic or historical place they traveled. Golf was always a passion that he loved. He played well and earned the nickname, Birdie. Being on a course with his buddies was always a damn good time!

As you all know, Ray was a fascinating storyteller. His words were true, except maybe a few.

A celebration of life will be held at Raymond's happy place on September 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at the Elk River Golf Course Blue Heron Bar and Grill (Upstairs). There will be help getting up the stairs if anyone would like that.