Raymond Edward Stamps, Sr.

Raymond Edward Stamps Sr. also lovingly known to family and friends as “Ray” or “Ray Sr.,” was born on June 9, 1945, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Ocie Edmund and Ruby Fay Stamps. He confessed in Christ at an early age. Ray began his educational journey in Jones, Oklahoma where he attended Rose Hill Elementary and graduated from Jones High School in 1963. Upon graduation, he decided to serve his country by joining the National Guard. He would then eventually join the United States Army where he committed to 15 1⁄2 years of dedicated service. During his tenure in the Army, Ray traveled to many places and was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Fort Still, Oklahoma, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Korea, Germany and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Ray was also a Vietnam Veteran. Upon honorably discharging from the Army, Ray decided to set his roots in the city of Clarksville, Tennessee. He began his career in Civil Service, as a Logistician at Fort Campbell, where he worked for 30 years, until his retirement on May 31, 2013. Collectively, Ray served over 45 years of active and civil service duty. While working at Fort Campbell, Ray noticed a beautiful woman Cynthia, who would ultimately become the love of his life and wife of 20 years.

 

Ray was a hard worker and a man of many trades. He was proud of his educational accomplishments and conferred an Associate Degree in Occupational Science and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology from Austin Peay State University. Ray was a dedicated member of the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Saint James Masonic Lodge #51, Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated, Tennessee. As a man of faith and integrity, Ray loved his family dearly. He was a master chef in his kitchen and enjoyed cooking all types of meals. In the Stamps home one would have many meal options, because of his love for cooking. Ray kept his freezers full of his delicious creations ready to be thawed and consumed at any time. Ray loved to laugh and made others laugh with his quick wit, jokes, and joyful personality. Ray was a collector of fine things, he loved tinkering with his classic truck and cars. He also enjoyed riding his classic Harley Davidson motorcycle with his wife. Ray found beauty in nature by taking pride in creating a beautiful landscape of flowers and plants to surround his home. He often worked in his yard, losing track of time while adding to or perfecting his landscape. At times, Cynthia had to remind him to come in and eat dinner. Ray always loved to look his best. When it was time to step out, you can be assured that he would be dressed in the sharpest and finest clothing, the best shoes or cowboy boots and topped off with plenty of jewelry and a hat to match. Ray loved music and enjoyed the quiet moments spent with his wife listening to jazz. With determination, Ray committed to honor his wife Cynthia with a surprise 20th wedding anniversary vow renewal celebration that took place just one month before his peaceful departure from this life on July 4, 2022, while surrounded by his wife and children.

 

Ray leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Cynthia Diane Stamps. His children, Tamara (Michelle) Stamps-Gordon, Raymond E. Stamps Jr., Reginald (Pamela) Stamps, Brian Peters, and Rebecca (Bryson) Peters. His sister, Monique (James) Slaughter-Stanfield. His sister-in- law, Marsha (Wayne) Henson. His brother-in-law Robert Woolley Sr. and an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister Aleona Mitchell, brothers Edward and Leon “Big Son” Stamps, sister-in-law Brenda Woolley and brother-in-law Gary Henson. Ray may be gone, but never forgotten, as wonderful memories shall forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all who loved him to encompass many generations to come. 

 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Gateway Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at First Baptist Clarksville at 11:00 A.M. Minister Bobby Dillon will officiate the service. Burial will follow after the service at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Clarksville, TN. 

 

Arrangements are under the care of Gateway Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 335 Franklin St. Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone: 931-919-2600. Online condolences may be made by visiting gatewayfh.com