COMMON TATOR (RAY) PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING

[silent_jonny]

Just saw this ...

I'm so sorry. Prayers for you and for Ray's family.

[Sunshine Sister]

So sad, but having said that when you cross over to heaven all the problems of life are gone. I hope for peace for those of his family who are still dealing with the loss. RIP my friend.

[Lisa_from Buckeye Country]

I just got home from Chillicothe, went to Ray's viewing last evening and his funeral early afternoon today. It was a wonderful tribute to Ray, with his music playing in the background last evening. The song that he wrote, "Little Girl" was so poignant.

My daughter cut short a out of town conference she was at, to be there with me at the funeral. I was so blessed to have her there. As I was saying my final goodbye, the song "Eleven Roses" came on, which I always told Ray that is was my favorite song that he sang. It is a Hank Williams Jr. song. Beautiful song, if you ever get to listen to it.

Anyway, I'm rambling, so just thank all of you for you love and prayers during this very difficult time.

Thank God his suffering is over, and he is in Heaven, but I know how much we all will miss him. I have his last voicemails to me saved, so I can still hear his voice.

Again, bless all of you for your kind thoughts and prayers. B's Gramma, feel free to send this along to anyone you can think of.

Love and prayers,

Lisa

[Congressman Billybob]

Thank you for your post about the service for Ray. He deserves the words that Ben Franklin wrote for himself. I hope that your family and friends, and your and Ray's friends on this vast and odd community called FreeRepublic held you up and warmed your heart. I hope that help and support will continue.

With deep respect,

John / Billybob

[lwd]

Very sorry to hear that...Common Tater was a freeper name whose posts I can remember reading from my first days here, he was very insightful. Prayers to his loved ones...

[prairiebreeze]

Thanks for the report on his funeral, Lisa. I miss him already...

[proud American in Canada]

I just saw this, Lisa.

I’m so sorry. I always enjoyed his posts.

May he rest in peace.

[Luke21]

God bless you, Lisa. May his soul rest well. He and I were often opponents on this board. Those things end as eternity begins. You were a great friend and support. He was lucky to have you.

All the old time Freepers like myself from the class of 1998 mourn one of the true originals of this board and wish his family a gentle healing in their time of distress.

My own father died 8 years ago today, also from cancer.

[bootless]

God bless you, Lisa, for staying in touch. And God bless Ray and his loved ones. Rest well, Ray...

[Smokin' Joe]

Prayers up for all.

[randog]

Here it is, Monday April 6 and I just read this. Common Tator was one of my favorite posters. He will be deeply missed. He helped build this forum and move it forward with his deep insights.

Rest In Peace friend....

—randog

[GWfan]

After I posted to you on the other thread, I saw this one...I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you and Ray’s children peace of mind and heart.

I loved reading his posts. He will be greatly missed.

[lakey]

Thanks for the photos. That is a beautiful place to Rest in Peace.

My sincere sympathy to his family and friends.

[onedoug]

RIP CommonTator.

[gaijin]

This is terrible! He was around forever, it seemed...just wow...so sorry...

[Steve Van Doorn]

Tabitha, thank you for responding. He will be missed here.

Good luck
steve

[GOPJ]

Thank you for mentioning the love “Ray” had for my mother. She was the love of his life, with computers and politics next.

He had his priorities straight. His family was first - - including his much loved daughter...

[JohnHuang2]

My deepest, heartfelt condolences to the family. May God in Heaven above comfort them.

Ray's shoes were too big to fill. There will never be anyone quite like him. He will sorely be missed. RIP.

[airborne]

My condolences to Ray’s family and friends.

He was one of the truly great Freepers, in my humble opinion.

Our loss is heaven’s gain.

[joesbucks]

I somehow missed that Tator had passed away. I knew his health was not well, but I thought I was checking to see his latest wisdom here on FR on a frequent basis. Clearly, I haven’t been doing so. I drove through Chillicothe last night and thought I needed to check on how Ray was doing. Found that he had passed away a few months ago.

Ray was truly a talented man and his work and writings will and are missed.