Felix Ray Tomlinson
July 24, 1929
September 27, 2019

Felix Ray Tomlinson of Starkville Mississippi passed away on September 27, 2019, at the age of 90, after a lengthy illness in the quiet of his beloved home and in the company of family and loving caregivers.
Ray was born on July 24, 1929, in Oktibbeha County, but he grew up in the Mississippi Delta, the youngest of the ten children of Amos Edgar and Sallie Harpole Tomlinson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his nine siblings, Bettie Louise Long, James Loyd Tomlinson, Daniel Carl Tomlinson, Amos Paul Tomlinson, Lula Doyle Tomlinson, Thorval Bernice (Pat) LaMorte, Annie Pearl Nowell, Clemis Evelyn Townley, and his twin sister, Mary Fay Daws, as well as nine nieces and nephews. He is survived by twenty-six nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Arcola High School, Ray spent most of his adult life in various locations throughout the continental United States as well as Puerto Rico and Alaska while serving in the United States Air Force. Following his retirement as technical sergeant, he returned to Oktibbeha County and made his home in Starkville, where he lived for forty-one years, fulfilling his dream of being in closer proximity to family members. He frequently remarked how happy he was in being able to connect to his large extended family. He enjoyed serving for almost forty years as chairman of the annual Tomlinson Family Reunion. His sense of connection extended to a large array of friends and customers of his repair business. This strong sense of community was expressed by his habit of making frequent visits to local nursing homes and hospitals.
Ray maintained an active membership in Starkville's American Legion Post 13, where he held several offices, including one term as Post Commander.
Ray worshipped as a faithful and very active member of the Self Creek Baptist Church, a legacy he proudly exercised from his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be at Welch Funeral Home, 210 W Lampkin St, Starkville, on Sunday, September 29, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be at Self Creek Southern Baptist Church, 440 Brown Rd, Maben, on Monday, September 30, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to the Cemetery Fund, Self Creek Southern Baptist Church, 440 Brown Rd, Maben MS 39750; or American Legion Post 13, PO Box 628, Starkville MS 39760; or the charity of one's choice.