This was a song that we did during the America's Classic Country Days Featuring Charlie Monk. Ray ask Charlie to dedicate a song to Sharon and this was the song he chose. All of us knew that Ray loved Sharon and that they both rode on the wings of God by the breath of God. Ray always pointed this out to me when we would start to talk about family and how much Sharon had given so that he and later he and I could chase his dreams.
In the end his real dreams came true, he was closer to his best friend in the world this side of Jesus than he ever had been in his life. Ray told me one time during one of my "blue funks" as he would call them after a break-up, that it was not enough for you to love someone but that they had to love you back 110% both ways.
He told Sharon one day that things did not matter...people do. I love you and miss you my friend.
Brett
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When I think about my relationship/experiences with Ray, so many things come to mind that I could write a book. Ray was not only a brother-in-law but a true friend. He never met a stranger. If you had just been introduced to him, within minutes you would feel like you had known him all your life. A part of him was private and he was not the type of person that would burden you with his private challenges. He had a special talent that made those he was around feel comfortable and enjoy being with him.
He was truly a visionary, always optimistic, believing better things were yet to come. He truly loved and appreciated Sharon, Tonya, and Tammy. He was so very proud of his girls and their families. He enjoyed taking them places where his business had taken him. To Tonya, Tammy and your families, you have our love and support as we share the "priceless" memories that Ray allowed us to be a part of. Grandchildren and great grandchild, please know how proud he was of you. He wanted to see each of you be the best you can be, always putting God first in everything you do. I challenge you to be "all you can be," always remembering that he is with you.
I remember the times that I made trips to Nashville with Ray. He went with Ann and I when we were looking for property. He and Sharon lived in Hazel Green at the time. He was like a tour guide, showing us around Nashville. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him. He would always get excited when he told us about his experiences in Nashville. The times that he and I went to Nashville he introduced me to many people in the country music industry. We visited Mel Tillis on more than one occasion. The people we visited were always excited to see Ray. It was evident that they knew him very well. Very seldom did a year go by that didn't offer me an opportunity to get CMa Award tickets.
Every year around July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years the family would gather in Decatur at Mom and Dad's house. Various members of the family would bring/invite their friends over as well. There were so many special times spent with family and friends. That's where we first met Tom and Sharon Thompson and their children. What a Godsend they have been to Sharon and Ray as well as to the entire Ratliff/Quinn families. To Sharon and Tom - thank you again for being there, may God bless you and your family for your love and support.
I remember at holiday gatherings, the grandchildren could not wait for Sharon and Ray to arrive. They knew Ray would always get them together and play football and video games. He would spend hours playing with them. He would always be the one to get the games started with the family. We would play cards (in shifts) throughout the night. We were playing "spoons" (card game) one evening when Ray leaped to grab a spoon and fell across the kitchen table and broke it. We had some explaining to do to Mom and Dad the next morning as well as repair work on the table.
The guys started a "annual tradition" every Christmas/New Years. We would get together and play golf at Point Mallard. It didn't matter whether it was raining, sleeting, or snowing, we played. We continued the tradition this past Thanksgiving in Gulf Breeze at the family reunion. It was 42 degrees with a wind of 10-15 miles per hour. To make it a bit more like Point Mallard we played a course on the water. It was cold!! I am so glad we played the round. Ray grabbed his clubs, put on his gloves and toboggan and went with us. I believe he really enjoyed the day. I have played many rounds of golf with Ray and he always had fun and tried to make sure everyone else enjoyed it as well. He would tell stories about people in the movie business or country music business that he had played with. Golf can be a very frustrating game but I never remember Ray getting upset or angry if he hit a bad shot or didn't score well. He was there to have fun and enjoy being with family and friends.
One of the things that Mom and Dad always talked about was how much they enjoyed their weekend trips with Sharon and Ray. They said Ray knew every road and "pigtrail" in Alabama and Tennessee. Ray would always find a little country store and get Dad hoop cheese and a grape drink. They enjoyed those trips so much.
I remember visiting Sharon and Ray in Florence, AL. I believe he was attending Florence State at the time. We went to a fair/carnival. Ray and I rode one of those ferris wheels with enclosed seats. He and I rocked the thing until we got it upside down and it stuck in that position when the wheel stopped with us at the very top. We tried to get it to rotate right side up but could not get it to turn until the wheel started again. We enjoyed some good upside down conversation.
Ray joined me one day at Decatur High's football field/track. We decided to run the 440 (just jogging) but with about 200 yeards left it turned into a race. I noticed that he was taking about two strides to my one stride. When we finished he walked over, look up at me and said, "it's a tall man's world isn't it?" He always made it pleasant no matter what we were doing.
During the last five or six years, Ray and I developed a much deeper, intangible type of friendship. It was a relationship that went beyond what it had been before. Neither of us needed to mention anything about what we felt because we just felt it inside. I will always cherish that relationship and will miss the fellowship we enjoyed until we are able to continue the relationship in the future.
Thank you Ray!!
Byron
Good post.
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