Raymond Samuel Thompson

February 14, 1926 - June 5, 2012

Raymond Samuel Thompson, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 5th, 2012. He was surrounded by his wife and children. Ray was born Feb. 14, 1926 in Pasadena, California and worked as a carpenter – he was very strong his entire life. Ray worked in the carpenter shop at the Benicia Arsenal, worked 19 years at Yuba Manufacturing and after the Yuba closed, he worked as a carpenter building the first homes in Southampton, retiring in 1982. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elsie Thompson, his daughters Joanne (Mike) Smith, Vernetta (Greg) Cizek, Rachelle “Shelly” (Curt) Sutter and his son Phillip Thompson. He also had 8 grandchildren Matthew McMann, Phillip McMann, Erin McMann, Hunter Smith, Candice Smith, Jonathan Thompson, Jourdan Woltz, and Jack Sutter as well as two great grandchildren Marissa Ramsey and Dylan McMann. He was preceded in death by his parents Mabel and Russell Thompson, brother Wayne Thompson, and sister Vernetta Castellano. Ray loved spending time with his family swimming, skating, skiing, camping and traveling. He leaves behind a heritage of love and strength. While he is no longer physically with us, he will never be forgotten and lives on in our hearts and memories. Viewing will be Thursday, June 7th from 3-7 pm at Passalaqua’s Funeral Home in Benicia. A celebration of his life will be open to all on Friday, June 8th at 1:00 pm at The Hill (formerly known as The Church on the Hill), 210 Locust Drive, Vallejo. Burial will be private at the Benicia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Hospice.