Memories of Ol' Ray
By John Slayer
Ray Clapp
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Folks,
This evening about 6:00 pm, our friend died, having fought a
two year battle with lymphoma cancer. He unresponsive for the
last 24-36 hours . . and passed away peacefully at the UK
Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, KY.
I'm
sure he's in a better place, resting with a good feeling of having
helped others along his lifetime journey. Few that knew 'ole Ray
could find anything but praise for a man that was honest as a judge,
dependable as a 21 jewel railroad pocket watch and kind to all those
he met during his lifetime.
Tonight I thought I'd share a few memories of a feller that taught me
much by his example in life. If only we were blessed with more
Ray Clapp's . . this world would be a better place. Ray told me
that years ago he had accepted the Lord in his heart as his
savior; had been baptized and I'm sure we'll meet again
. . on the banks of a beautiful fishin' pond!
. . . ole john . . . Big Hat ~ No Cattle . . . out on the Pompeii Ridge . . . |
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'Ole Ray spent
many an hour catching bass, bluegill and catfish to bring to our pond.
He told me this summer, "Nothing brings
me more joy than to see a kid fish and catch the big one! I want
this pond stocked for all your grandchildren to enjoy . . when I can't
be here anymore!"
Ray and Nolan (Daren & Whit's boy) were the best of buddies!
Nolan always looked forward to fish'n with his buddy and mentor . . .
"Mr. Ray!"
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The big 'grin' on 'ole Ray's face is payment for all his work stock'n this pond for Nolan to catch the 'World Record' . . bass! |
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Last
winter down in my shop while I worked on the baby cradle for Layla,
. . . 'ole Ray made some 65 'homemade' fish'n lures from cedar,
walnut, popular and other scraps of wood in the trash pile.
I'd hope you were fortunate enough to have received one from him.. . .
! He took great pride in sharing his fish'n talent with
others. Each lure was 'tested' in the pond out front
for exacting balance . . ha..ha..!
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Many times Ray would tell me how much he really enjoyed being invited to our home on Christmas Eve. "I never was blessed to have kids . . and to get to come to your house and see your grandkids enjoy Christmas is blessing!" . . he said to me on more than one occasion . . . |
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The weekend of October 26th, my son invited Ray and Susie to use his houseboat down on Lake Cumberland. Ray set a pole on the front of the boat. Late Friday night (or early Saturday morning, he caught a 3 lb cat. He saved it until after I'd gotten out of bed. He wanted me to have the pleasure of reel'n it in! Bless him . . ! |
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There's little doubt that 'ole Ray had the time of his life that weekend . . fish'n & being with his friends . |
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weekend, November 8th . . he made his final trip to our kitchen.
It took him 20 minutes or so to come from the car to the house, but as
he told me, "You're my friend, I don't
mind the pain to come visit . . its always good to be in your home,
John"
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