Ray was the beloved Son of Ralph and Betty Thomas.
Biological Father Raymond P. Buildt Sr
Eulogy by Ray's Cousin Jay
Ray's journey began July 9,1950 @ 2:15 AM 1950.
He always joked that he was born just 15 minutes before "closing time"
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to a young Mother Betty Jean Buildt at the very young age of 15. Ray's family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in December of 1950 where most he spent most of his elementary years and through some surrounding suburbs, settling in Parma, Ohio.
Ray's Mom divorced his biological Father in 1956.
She married Ralph D. Thomas who became Ray's true Dad in his eyes. He adored his Dad Ralph.
After attending Parma senior High School , Ray's first interests were a career in cutting hair. After Barber College he opened "His & Hers" barber shop,building the business and many friendships through the next several years--but there were would also be hardships. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident and sustaining severe injuries to both legs at the age of 22, barbering was just not going to sustain him anymore.
Ray always had thoughts of bigger and better , always game for new adventures. He decided to travel in another direction. His vision to begin another business led to opening "Pugsleys" with his parents Ralph & Betty, a neighborhood tavern where young and old alike could enjoy a drink and some music but for all those that truly knew Ray it just had to get a little wild. It wasn't long before the business was built into standing room only on Rock Band nights. The business was thriving-thrilling and exhausting all at the same time and eventually led Ray to some minor indiscretions and decided this adventure would be over.
Several years later , Ray had to begin anew. It was time to grow up. His decisions for the future would be a business he could grow with, learn with, a business that would sustain him through the future.
Along his walk in life, Ray forged many friendships, many business acquaintances, he was a very kind,giving person to all in need,what ever the need may be. However ,this compassion Ray had was to blossom and grow through this business adventure. A Construction Co. was born, a commercial/ industrial based company that had spanned from the mid 90's to today and covered anything that needed to be renovated, refurbished or built from ground up.His employees in this new venture were to be the people he grew up with,worked with,partied with, and who were also in need of a job. it wasn't easy learning though, Ray now had to depend on key people who had walked this path earlier in their lives.
He needed education and guidance so his business could be successful.
and sustain not only his life but all those that he employed and cared for.
Ray worked hard through those next hard years-dependent on his parents, especially his Dad Ralph who would guide him and nurture him with the knowledge and workings of what ever the job he would take on.
Devoting seven days a week and trying to make up for years earlier lost,jobs came quickly as Ray and his men mastered their profession and word of their quality work began to spread, there weren't many days
where they actually looked for work. But that would still not be enough for what Ray had in mind...
As time went on Ray's friendships were growing in the business world and as luck would have it , Ray met a man that also had similar visions for success as himself. Ray first began this friendship through a job that man, Bruce , hired him to do. Through many talks and business dealings later,Ray learned from and looked up to Bruce as a mentor,someone that Ray was proud to call "friend",someone that could further guide him in his dreams and visions for success.
From Ray's conversations with his family , there was never any doubt that Bruce was more than a business acquaintance and a friend. Ray often spoke of Bruce with great pride and the utmost respect for this man that took him under his wing,that worked tirelessly to help mold and shape Ray's dreams and success for the future. Through this special friendship ,kindness and compassion for Ray, he was definitely on the right path to success...
Which sadly brings us to this day July 6,2010 just 3 days before Ray's 60th birthday, and how appropriate it is that Ray's friend of 40 years
the Reverend Gary Koly would speak words of comfort on Ray's behalf.
It is with great difficulty and devastation that his Mom Betty , Dad Ralph, Daughter Michelle, Son In Law Jon and grandchildren,Jonathan & "ChatterBox" Marissa must say goodbye to their only Son, Father,Father In Law and grandfather but want to thank each and everyone of you that shared in Ray's walk through life.
A golden link missing from our family chain.
***
A special thank you to Findagrave administrators and members of that site for all the cards and condolences. It is truly appreciated by Ralph-Betty and his family.
***
Sad to tell you but Ralph passed away Oct. 25,2010 3 months after his Son of a broken heart.
Betty is coping the best she can with the support of her family and friends.
Biological Father Raymond P. Buildt Sr
Eulogy by Ray's Cousin Jay
Ray's journey began July 9,1950 @ 2:15 AM 1950.
He always joked that he was born just 15 minutes before "closing time"
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to a young Mother Betty Jean Buildt at the very young age of 15. Ray's family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in December of 1950 where most he spent most of his elementary years and through some surrounding suburbs, settling in Parma, Ohio.
Ray's Mom divorced his biological Father in 1956.
She married Ralph D. Thomas who became Ray's true Dad in his eyes. He adored his Dad Ralph.
After attending Parma senior High School , Ray's first interests were a career in cutting hair. After Barber College he opened "His & Hers" barber shop,building the business and many friendships through the next several years--but there were would also be hardships. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident and sustaining severe injuries to both legs at the age of 22, barbering was just not going to sustain him anymore.
Ray always had thoughts of bigger and better , always game for new adventures. He decided to travel in another direction. His vision to begin another business led to opening "Pugsleys" with his parents Ralph & Betty, a neighborhood tavern where young and old alike could enjoy a drink and some music but for all those that truly knew Ray it just had to get a little wild. It wasn't long before the business was built into standing room only on Rock Band nights. The business was thriving-thrilling and exhausting all at the same time and eventually led Ray to some minor indiscretions and decided this adventure would be over.
Several years later , Ray had to begin anew. It was time to grow up. His decisions for the future would be a business he could grow with, learn with, a business that would sustain him through the future.
Along his walk in life, Ray forged many friendships, many business acquaintances, he was a very kind,giving person to all in need,what ever the need may be. However ,this compassion Ray had was to blossom and grow through this business adventure. A Construction Co. was born, a commercial/ industrial based company that had spanned from the mid 90's to today and covered anything that needed to be renovated, refurbished or built from ground up.His employees in this new venture were to be the people he grew up with,worked with,partied with, and who were also in need of a job. it wasn't easy learning though, Ray now had to depend on key people who had walked this path earlier in their lives.
He needed education and guidance so his business could be successful.
and sustain not only his life but all those that he employed and cared for.
Ray worked hard through those next hard years-dependent on his parents, especially his Dad Ralph who would guide him and nurture him with the knowledge and workings of what ever the job he would take on.
Devoting seven days a week and trying to make up for years earlier lost,jobs came quickly as Ray and his men mastered their profession and word of their quality work began to spread, there weren't many days
where they actually looked for work. But that would still not be enough for what Ray had in mind...
As time went on Ray's friendships were growing in the business world and as luck would have it , Ray met a man that also had similar visions for success as himself. Ray first began this friendship through a job that man, Bruce , hired him to do. Through many talks and business dealings later,Ray learned from and looked up to Bruce as a mentor,someone that Ray was proud to call "friend",someone that could further guide him in his dreams and visions for success.
From Ray's conversations with his family , there was never any doubt that Bruce was more than a business acquaintance and a friend. Ray often spoke of Bruce with great pride and the utmost respect for this man that took him under his wing,that worked tirelessly to help mold and shape Ray's dreams and success for the future. Through this special friendship ,kindness and compassion for Ray, he was definitely on the right path to success...
Which sadly brings us to this day July 6,2010 just 3 days before Ray's 60th birthday, and how appropriate it is that Ray's friend of 40 years
the Reverend Gary Koly would speak words of comfort on Ray's behalf.
It is with great difficulty and devastation that his Mom Betty , Dad Ralph, Daughter Michelle, Son In Law Jon and grandchildren,Jonathan & "ChatterBox" Marissa must say goodbye to their only Son, Father,Father In Law and grandfather but want to thank each and everyone of you that shared in Ray's walk through life.
A golden link missing from our family chain.
***
A special thank you to Findagrave administrators and members of that site for all the cards and condolences. It is truly appreciated by Ralph-Betty and his family.
***
Sad to tell you but Ralph passed away Oct. 25,2010 3 months after his Son of a broken heart.
Betty is coping the best she can with the support of her family and friends.
Ray was the beloved Son of Ralph and Betty Thomas.
Biological Father Raymond P. Buildt Sr
Eulogy by Ray's Cousin Jay
Ray's journey began July 9,1950 @ 2:15 AM 1950.
He always joked that he was born just 15 minutes before "closing time"
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to a young Mother Betty Jean Buildt at the very young age of 15. Ray's family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in December of 1950 where most he spent most of his elementary years and through some surrounding suburbs, settling in Parma, Ohio.
Ray's Mom divorced his biological Father in 1956.
She married Ralph D. Thomas who became Ray's true Dad in his eyes. He adored his Dad Ralph.
After attending Parma senior High School , Ray's first interests were a career in cutting hair. After Barber College he opened "His & Hers" barber shop,building the business and many friendships through the next several years--but there were would also be hardships. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident and sustaining severe injuries to both legs at the age of 22, barbering was just not going to sustain him anymore.
Ray always had thoughts of bigger and better , always game for new adventures. He decided to travel in another direction. His vision to begin another business led to opening "Pugsleys" with his parents Ralph & Betty, a neighborhood tavern where young and old alike could enjoy a drink and some music but for all those that truly knew Ray it just had to get a little wild. It wasn't long before the business was built into standing room only on Rock Band nights. The business was thriving-thrilling and exhausting all at the same time and eventually led Ray to some minor indiscretions and decided this adventure would be over.
Several years later , Ray had to begin anew. It was time to grow up. His decisions for the future would be a business he could grow with, learn with, a business that would sustain him through the future.
Along his walk in life, Ray forged many friendships, many business acquaintances, he was a very kind,giving person to all in need,what ever the need may be. However ,this compassion Ray had was to blossom and grow through this business adventure. A Construction Co. was born, a commercial/ industrial based company that had spanned from the mid 90's to today and covered anything that needed to be renovated, refurbished or built from ground up.His employees in this new venture were to be the people he grew up with,worked with,partied with, and who were also in need of a job. it wasn't easy learning though, Ray now had to depend on key people who had walked this path earlier in their lives.
He needed education and guidance so his business could be successful.
and sustain not only his life but all those that he employed and cared for.
Ray worked hard through those next hard years-dependent on his parents, especially his Dad Ralph who would guide him and nurture him with the knowledge and workings of what ever the job he would take on.
Devoting seven days a week and trying to make up for years earlier lost,jobs came quickly as Ray and his men mastered their profession and word of their quality work began to spread, there weren't many days
where they actually looked for work. But that would still not be enough for what Ray had in mind...
As time went on Ray's friendships were growing in the business world and as luck would have it , Ray met a man that also had similar visions for success as himself. Ray first began this friendship through a job that man, Bruce , hired him to do. Through many talks and business dealings later,Ray learned from and looked up to Bruce as a mentor,someone that Ray was proud to call "friend",someone that could further guide him in his dreams and visions for success.
From Ray's conversations with his family , there was never any doubt that Bruce was more than a business acquaintance and a friend. Ray often spoke of Bruce with great pride and the utmost respect for this man that took him under his wing,that worked tirelessly to help mold and shape Ray's dreams and success for the future. Through this special friendship ,kindness and compassion for Ray, he was definitely on the right path to success...
Which sadly brings us to this day July 6,2010 just 3 days before Ray's 60th birthday, and how appropriate it is that Ray's friend of 40 years
the Reverend Gary Koly would speak words of comfort on Ray's behalf.
It is with great difficulty and devastation that his Mom Betty , Dad Ralph, Daughter Michelle, Son In Law Jon and grandchildren,Jonathan & "ChatterBox" Marissa must say goodbye to their only Son, Father,Father In Law and grandfather but want to thank each and everyone of you that shared in Ray's walk through life.
A golden link missing from our family chain.
***
A special thank you to Findagrave administrators and members of that site for all the cards and condolences. It is truly appreciated by Ralph-Betty and his family.
***
Sad to tell you but Ralph passed away Oct. 25,2010 3 months after his Son of a broken heart.
Betty is coping the best she can with the support of her family and friends.
Biological Father Raymond P. Buildt Sr
Eulogy by Ray's Cousin Jay
Ray's journey began July 9,1950 @ 2:15 AM 1950.
He always joked that he was born just 15 minutes before "closing time"
Born in Atlanta, Georgia to a young Mother Betty Jean Buildt at the very young age of 15. Ray's family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in December of 1950 where most he spent most of his elementary years and through some surrounding suburbs, settling in Parma, Ohio.
Ray's Mom divorced his biological Father in 1956.
She married Ralph D. Thomas who became Ray's true Dad in his eyes. He adored his Dad Ralph.
After attending Parma senior High School , Ray's first interests were a career in cutting hair. After Barber College he opened "His & Hers" barber shop,building the business and many friendships through the next several years--but there were would also be hardships. After surviving a terrible motorcycle accident and sustaining severe injuries to both legs at the age of 22, barbering was just not going to sustain him anymore.
Ray always had thoughts of bigger and better , always game for new adventures. He decided to travel in another direction. His vision to begin another business led to opening "Pugsleys" with his parents Ralph & Betty, a neighborhood tavern where young and old alike could enjoy a drink and some music but for all those that truly knew Ray it just had to get a little wild. It wasn't long before the business was built into standing room only on Rock Band nights. The business was thriving-thrilling and exhausting all at the same time and eventually led Ray to some minor indiscretions and decided this adventure would be over.
Several years later , Ray had to begin anew. It was time to grow up. His decisions for the future would be a business he could grow with, learn with, a business that would sustain him through the future.
Along his walk in life, Ray forged many friendships, many business acquaintances, he was a very kind,giving person to all in need,what ever the need may be. However ,this compassion Ray had was to blossom and grow through this business adventure. A Construction Co. was born, a commercial/ industrial based company that had spanned from the mid 90's to today and covered anything that needed to be renovated, refurbished or built from ground up.His employees in this new venture were to be the people he grew up with,worked with,partied with, and who were also in need of a job. it wasn't easy learning though, Ray now had to depend on key people who had walked this path earlier in their lives.
He needed education and guidance so his business could be successful.
and sustain not only his life but all those that he employed and cared for.
Ray worked hard through those next hard years-dependent on his parents, especially his Dad Ralph who would guide him and nurture him with the knowledge and workings of what ever the job he would take on.
Devoting seven days a week and trying to make up for years earlier lost,jobs came quickly as Ray and his men mastered their profession and word of their quality work began to spread, there weren't many days
where they actually looked for work. But that would still not be enough for what Ray had in mind...
As time went on Ray's friendships were growing in the business world and as luck would have it , Ray met a man that also had similar visions for success as himself. Ray first began this friendship through a job that man, Bruce , hired him to do. Through many talks and business dealings later,Ray learned from and looked up to Bruce as a mentor,someone that Ray was proud to call "friend",someone that could further guide him in his dreams and visions for success.
From Ray's conversations with his family , there was never any doubt that Bruce was more than a business acquaintance and a friend. Ray often spoke of Bruce with great pride and the utmost respect for this man that took him under his wing,that worked tirelessly to help mold and shape Ray's dreams and success for the future. Through this special friendship ,kindness and compassion for Ray, he was definitely on the right path to success...
Which sadly brings us to this day July 6,2010 just 3 days before Ray's 60th birthday, and how appropriate it is that Ray's friend of 40 years
the Reverend Gary Koly would speak words of comfort on Ray's behalf.
It is with great difficulty and devastation that his Mom Betty , Dad Ralph, Daughter Michelle, Son In Law Jon and grandchildren,Jonathan & "ChatterBox" Marissa must say goodbye to their only Son, Father,Father In Law and grandfather but want to thank each and everyone of you that shared in Ray's walk through life.
A golden link missing from our family chain.
***
A special thank you to Findagrave administrators and members of that site for all the cards and condolences. It is truly appreciated by Ralph-Betty and his family.
***
Sad to tell you but Ralph passed away Oct. 25,2010 3 months after his Son of a broken heart.
Betty is coping the best she can with the support of her family and friends.
Family Members
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