William Ray

William Tommy Ray, age 82 of Tuscaloosa passed away on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Hospice of West Alabama. A 12:00 pm  graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Memory Hill Gardens with Bro. Billy Joy and Young Boozer officiating and Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Magnolia Chapel South.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents; Cluin and Lester Mae Ray, his in-laws; Hardin and Mable Belcher and brother-in-law; Gerald Belcher.

Serving Tommy is his wife of 53 years Ann Belcher Ray, his daughter Christie Ray Sherrill and son-in-law David, sisters; Shirley Jones and Billie Faye Collins, sister-in-law; Lois Belcher and Bernice B. Epperson (Sam), Seretha Belcher, brother-in-law; Tommy Belcher (Jackie), and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family as well as his beloved fur babies Molli and Ginger.

Upon graduating from Tuscaloosa High School (class of 57) Tommy went on to the University of Alabama where he studied Broadcast Communication and Art. While a student he worked for the University’s Department of Telecommunications and Film Production.

Tommy was the last General Manager of WCFT TV  (channel 33) when it was joined with channel 40 to become ABC 33/40. He was named Special Projects Manager. Tommy served on the board of Directors for the Alabama Broadcasters Association and named it’s President for 1997 through 1998.

While working in broadcasting Tommy was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, The Tuscaloosa Business Exchange and actively worked with United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama.

He has attended Valley View Baptist Church since 2000 but was a longtime member of Forest Lake United Methodist Church. Growing up he was a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout Badge. Being so involved in scouting he was asked to serve as Scout Master for Troop 143 at FLUM. As a result he made many lifelong friends.

Pallbearers will be nephews Ernest C. Hendrix, Jr., Scotty Jones, Cray Belcher, great nephews; Reed Swindle, Brady Swindle, and special friend Patrick Davis.

Honorary pallbearers are his friends and co workers at  Channel 33 and Channel 33/40, neighbors of Quail Ridge, and his sweet caregivers; Ann C. Marks, Pat Anderson, Jackie Saxton, and Amedisys Hospice Nurse; Danielle Hobson.