Wednesday
December 25th, 2024
1:51PM
Thomas (Tom) Harvey Raye, 88, passed away peacefully on May 6th, 2024, at his residence in Gainesville, GA.
Tom was born September 8, 1935, to Thomas Leo Raye and Willa Mae Spencer in Dallas, Texas. He went to school in Dallas where he met his High School sweetheart Delsie Clark. During High School, his family moved to Oklahoma where he finished school and was in the Navy Reserves for eight years. He then went to Texas A&M and received a bachelor’s in business science.
After moving back to Dallas, Tom reconnected with Delsie, and they were married in 1958 and had two daughters, Laura and Polly. He traveled extensively as a bank and construction consultant for major companies such as Wells Fargo, and Kimberley Clark. Though he had a successful career as a consultant. He loved art, writing, and was incredibly talented at both, although it would be the art that would be his greatest personal achievement.
He first started painting in the attic of his Dallas home, dabbling in wood carvings, abstract pieces, and oil paintings of historic buildings and landscapes. After living and working in Southern California. He then moved back to Dallas in the early 1970’s.
He moved to North Atlanta where he delved deeper into wood and metal sculpting and would write four books. His metal sculpting ranged from two feet to a 500 lb. piece that stands in the lobby of a prestigious law office in D.C. From Atlanta he moved to Sky Valley, GA and retired there so that he could continue his painting and enjoy the North Georgia Mountains. He painted over 2000 paintings in a multitude of mediums, and 500 sculptures which have been purchased from California to Boston. A few are still on display in Dillard, GA at his good friend Duncan Coopers business, The Valley Café.
Tom is survived by his daughters Laura Raye South (spouse Bill), Polly Kathleen Rowland (spouse Russell), and his sister Sandra Browne (spouse Stan). He has three grandchildren, Aaron Smith, Anson Smith and Rebecca Edge, and has 4 great grandchildren. He was fortunate to live a rich life and have the caring compassion of his daughters, sister, friends and caretakers.
To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
