"The journey is the reward." This profound sentiment perfectly encapsulates the life of Ray Mack Thompson, who embarked on his final voyage to be with his beloved Jesus Christ on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Born on July 3, 1930, in Abilene, Ray was adopted as an infant by his loving parents, Neil and Zorene Thompson. He and his sister, Barbara Jane, spent their formative years in Lubbock before moving to an irrigated farm northwest of Pecos. Ray embraced life on the cantaloupe farm with joy and curiosity, often recounting cherished memories of his "Mother." Her lessons deeply influenced the morals and virtues he valued throughout his life.

After graduating from Pecos High School in 1947, Ray attended Abilene Christian College, earning a BA in Agriculture with a minor in Bible. Although he initially planned to return to the family farm, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation. He received training in communications intelligence at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio and was later assigned to the USAF Security Service in southern Germany, an experience he described as life-changing.

After his discharge, Ray pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas Tech University. In 1959, he began his career as an engineering technical writer at Collins Radio Company in Richardson, eventually advancing to the role of Manager of Publications Engineering. His innovative spirit and dedication left a lasting impact on the field, and he retired in 1989 after 30 years of service.

Ray's commitment to technology and service shaped many of his personal accomplishments. In 1977, he co-founded the Apple Corps of Dallas, a pioneering user group for Apple enthusiasts that remains active today. He also contributed to the ministry NewLife Behavior by developing educational materials and establishing international outreach programs. In 2001, Ray embarked on a journey to find his birth family, deepening his faith and forging meaningful connections. This experience inspired him to write a book and produce a DVD titled "The Blessings of an Adopted Child." In 2022, Ray went on to publish a 228-paged family history book that included his mother's childhood story of moving from East Texas to New Mexico, enriched by his research and contributions from his sister.

Ray's dedication to his community was evident early in his life as he worshipped with the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, where he met his first wife, Avalyn Maddox. They were married in 1960 and shared a blessed marriage lasting 44 years. Sadly, Ray lost Avalyn to a brief battle with pancreatic cancer in August 2005.

In 2008, Ray met Dorothy "Dot" Murphy and they formed an instant bond, united by their shared experience of loss. Their loving partnership guided them through many exciting roadtrips and adventures together, allowing them to nurture their relationship at a comfortable pace. Their marriage in 2014 brought joy and fulfillment to their later years as they settled in Sherman. Ray embraced the slower pace and enjoyed growing close to Dot's three children. Their partnership was characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and a deep commitment to faith, bringing warmth and joy into each other's lives as they built a new chapter together.

Ray is survived by his wife, Dorothy Murphy Thompson, of Sherman; sons Mark J. Murphy and wife Connie of Sherman, and Michael D. Murphy of Zhengzhou, China; daughter Deborah Murphy Sartin of Sherman; niece Juenessa Williams and husband Bruce of Allen; nephew Warner Chad Setzer and wife Linda of League City; great-nephews Cody Setzer of League City, and Britton, Garrett, and Chase Williams of Allen; great-niece Samantha Setzer of League City; granddaughters Stephanie Carawan and husband Jamie of Atlanta, Georgia, Lindsey Bean of Sherman, Courtney Kanyilmaz and husband Batuhan of Sherman, and Ashley Murphy of Sherman; grandsons Chad Murphy and wife Kasey of Lubbock, Justin Murphy and wife Phi of McKinney, and Harry Murphy Bean and wife Robin of McKinney; great-grandnephew Dallas Setzer of League City; great-granddaughters Sydney and Abigail Carawan of Atlanta, Georgia, Lillyan McDaniel of Denison, Makaley Murphy of Lubbock, Sophia Bean of Sherman, Lylah Towery of Pottsboro, and Rylee and Juniper Kanyilmaz of Sherman; and great-grandsons Landry Urquhart of Austin and Bora Kanyilmaz of Sherman.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Avalyn Maddox; parents, Neil and Zorene Thompson; sister, Barbara Jane Thompson; and sister-in-law Janyne Kay Maddox.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 29 at 1:00 PM at Post Oak Fellowship in Sherman.

Special thanks to Jacqueline Young of Home Instead for the support she has provided to the Thompsons over the years.