Winford Ray Thomas

Winford Ray Thomas was born July 30, 1935, to Ray and Lois Thomas in Calhoun, OK. Ray spent his childhood growing up in OK and the San Jose, California area. He graduated from Hartshorne High School in Oklahoma. Ray was the oldest of seven siblings. His sisters were the only ones who dared to call him Winford. Throughout his high school years, he spent time working at his uncle’s fruit farm in California and eventually moved to California. Ray relocated to Idaho in 1970 where he lived for the last 55 years, until his passing on December 27, 2025. Ray’s passing was in true Ray fashion; very quick and peaceful which was a true blessing to his loved ones.

Ray spent his working career in the automotive industry and worked for auto manufacturers, dealerships and as an adjuster specializing in automobile claims. Early in his career, he worked for Ford Motor Company in San Jose, CA, where he was on the assembly line for the 1968 Ford Mustang. Ray was the proud owner of one of the first year Mustangs. He joked about the production debut of the Ford Pinto, which was made at the same plant. The doors didn’t fit right and wouldn’t close all the way no matter how hard they were slammed.

Ray loved to fish and took every opportunity to go fishing whether by himself or with a fishing buddy. He wasn’t particular; he went ocean fishing, river fishing and fly fishing. He tied many of his own flies and even built several of his own fishing rods. By the number of rods that he owned, it was evident that he had to have a special rod for each body of water that he fished.

Ray and Maryellen were married in April 1985. And, yes, they met at a car dealership. They spent most of their lives together in Boise. Ray and Maryellen traveled many miles together. Ray would drive and Maryellen would navigate and crochet while riding shotgun. Their trips included fishing trips to the Salmon River near Challis, fishing in Mexico, river boat trips to Europe and stays along the Oregon Coast. Ray’s years as an adjuster meant many miles of travel, of which Maryellen would often tag along, and they would always make an adventure of the trip. Frequent stops at thrift stores and antique shops may or may not produce the latest “find”.

Ray’s son, Craig, frequently worked alongside Ray in his adjusting business and was always a big help in getting some of those jobs done.

A coastal trip one year included a visit to Ray’s daughter, Raylene and her family. They embarked on a whale watching excursion which produced wonderful memories for all.

Trips to Twin Falls were frequent to spend time with Holli and Melanie’s many family adventures.

Ray’s faith was quietly strong. He knew where he was going and that it would be yet another wonderful trip. New Hope Christian Church was his family and church home. No other church would ever do. In years prior, he loved to sing with the choir and often sang solo. Ray and Maryellen were a big part of the church camp at Cascade and shared many of their hours overseeing the camp in many different capacities. Fishing bled into these hours as well. One year, Ray caught a bunch of fish and had a fish cookout at the camp.

Ray is survived by his wife, Maryellen, his son Craig (Laneece), daughter Raylene (Billy), daughter Raema (Dennis), son Michael (Karen), stepdaughter Melanie (David), three sisters and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 24 at 11am at Red Rock Christian Church in Boise.