Obituary

Joseph Raymond Tomlinson

85, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Sunday,

June 27, 2021

Ray Tomlinson was born in Vinegar Bend Alabama to Andrew Jackson Tomlinson and Lottie

Marie Tomlinson, but his roots were planted in Alvin Texas where he grew up. Despite being

blinded in one eye after being hit with a tennis ball (Playing Baseball) and being a Polio

survivor, which left his right arm smaller than the left he excelled in sports. He learned to use his

left arm which led to being a superstar Southpaw for the Alvin Yellowjackets. Being from

Alabama the stands would cheer "throw that ball Alabama" which was later shortened to simply

"Bama". He is still know as Bama in Alvin Texas. He threw 3 No hitters his senior year and was

the first Alvin Ball Player to sign pro with the St Louis Cardinals. Baseball was always a part of

his life and even led to serving as a scout for the California Angels for a short while. After an

injury ended his Baseball Career, he joined the Air Force and married his High School

Sweetheart Fayrene Watson. After retiring from the military, they returned to Alvin to water

those root's and raised two Children, Terry, and Randy. He was on the Ground floor of

Monsanto Chocolate Bayou Chemical Company where he made Lifelong friends for our family.

After retiring from Monsanto, he and our Beautiful Mom picked up in 1988 and transported

those roots to Hemphill Texas where he bought Terrill Petroleum and began serving the

community of Hemphill. Ray Tomlinson was a server. He served the community Of Hemphill for

33 years. He served a short time as Mayor, served on the board for First State Bank Hemphill,

and Shelby Savings Bank Hemphill for 20 years, and served on the Hemphill City Council for 28

years. He was a 60-year Mason and a Shriner, and constantly found ways to serve through these

two organizations. Ray and Fayrene always referred to Hemphill Baptist Church as their

"Church Home". They did not consider the building there home, but rather the people of the

church. So much love has been shown through the years from this Church Family, and our entire

Family has been blessed from that Outpouring of Love. Ray was preceded in death by his Mother

and Father, and two Sisters whom we are sure he has had a great reunion with. Ray Has gone

ahead and will be waiting in Heaven for his Wife Fayrene (Watson) Tomlinson of 65 Years,

Brother Joey Tomlinson of Alvin, Daughter Terry Vaughn and Husband Cornell, Son Randy

Tomlinson and Wife Kathy, Grand Children Morgan Tomlinson and Wife Jessica, Shanda

Warren and Husband Jeremy, Brian McKinney and Wife Tina, Brad Hall, and Wife Kimberly,

Ben Hall, and Wife Jennifer, Cornell Vaughn (Little Brother), Christy Staines, and Husband

Louie, and 16 Great Grandkids. Although he has gone ahead, he is alive in our memories and

hopefully some of yours as well.