Ray Neil Thomas

Ray Neil Thomas, 89, of Landsun Circle, Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at Landsun Health Services Center. There will be no visitation, cremation will take place. A Memorial Service is scheduled for, 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2012, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Dan Boyd officiating. A private interment will be in First United Methodist Church Columbarium, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ray Neil Thomas was born March 27, 1922 in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Sam W. and Jessie (Stirling) Thomas. After graduation from Carlsbad High School in 1939 he served three and one-half years in the Army Air Corp. After serving in WWII, he went into business with his father at the Dodge dealership. He was the Carlsbad Dodge dealer for 40 years. In 1947 he married Evelyn Clark and they had three children; Kent, John and Sam. In 1970 Ray married Mary Neal. Ray was active in the First United Methodist Church as head of trustees, church treasurer, usher for 50 years, served on the church board, two building committees and worked on many church projects. He was also a member of the Elks Club. Ray enjoyed restoring antique cars, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary Gold Thomas; sisters: Jessie Marie Gallivan and Ann Harris. Survivors are six children: Kent N. Thomas and wife, Ricci of Atlanta, GA, John W. Thomas and wife, Carla of Dallas, TX, Sam R. Thomas and Cindy Helling of Charleston, SC, Judy Hantttula and husband, Joe of Carlsbad, NM, Janet Voat and husband, Andy of Albuquerque, NM, Jeff Neal and wife, Franni of Carlsbad, NM; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hands Fund at Landsun Homes, 2002 Westridge Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.