Morris Ray

Morris D. Ray, 61 of New Bedford, died peacefully at home in his wife's arms following a valiant battle against esophageal cancer on Saturday February 25, 2012 Born in Philadelphia, Pa., he was the son of the late William and Ruby (Womack) Ray and grandson of the late James and Beatrice (Coles) Womack. Morris was a walking book of knowledge.  Very educated, he loved academics, in which he excelled and was an avid reader of fantasy, sci-fi and horror.  A talented artist, he also loved jazz, chess, pinochle, boxing, his Philadelphia Phillies, Eagles and 76ers. He loved anything mobster and could tell you the lowdown on Bugsy, Capone, Gotti; the list goes on. He prided himself in being fluent in French. “Moses” had an affinity for Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, homemade pintos and littlenecks. Until his illness, he loved his daily walks to Quick-Pic on Mt. Pleasant, often with his dog "Stinky" in tow.  He'd return home in time to watch and play "Jeopardy" and old reruns of "Matlock"  "All in the Family" and "Sanford and Son".  He loved true crime with a passion and was glued to anything both television and reading material had to offer on said subject. Morris loved all and was loved by many.  He either had a nickname for you or a special way of pronouncing your name.  He had a trademark grin, and had a way of bringing the best out of you.  He will be truly missed. Morris was formerly employed as a laborer for the City of New Bedford and as a bartender at the Thunderbird Lounge in Philadelphia. He is survived by his loving wife, caretaker, friend and soul mate of 26 years, Robin J. (Dunn) Ray of New Bedford, MA, his daughter Larissa "Little Mo" Todman and son-in-law Simeone Holley and Larissa's grandmother Gwendolyn Todman, who Morris loved dearly and his beautiful grandchildren Cameron and Maia Todman-Holley. He is also survived by his siblings Marvin, Matthew, Marinda, Mary -Thais, Aisha, Melody and Michele.  His partners in crime (smile)  brothers-in-law Richard "E" Dunn and William "Norton" Mello two special nieces, Lisa "Yinc" Valentine and Barbara "Beej" Miller and 3 godchildren:  Alisha Todman, Jermaine Todman and Hazyl L. Miller., and a most very special friend and visiting nurse, Sally "Mrs. E." Entwistle from Overlook Nursing.  He is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews and friends. Morris was predeceased by his sisters Miriam Heath and Mona Ray and my grandmother Clotilde Sylvia who he affectionately referred to as "Cora Nana". I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Harry Matelski, Dr. Jason Zauls, his very special social worker Linda Casey, the radiation and chemotherapy team and wonderful nurses and staff at Southcoast Center for Cancer Care for all they did for Morris. His primary care doctor Naomi Rappaport, Dr. Christopher Cheney, Dr. Berman and all the doctors, nurses and CNA's at St. Luke’s Hospital, and GATRA and Churchill Transportation and Michael daSilva for being so caring and supportive.  Thank you all, and whoever I may have missed, for your sincere kindness.

By his own request, Morris was cremated in his beloved Phillies jacket and team wear.  He declined funeral and memorial services and requests all remember him the way he was.

Donations may be made in Morris' memory to Southcoast Center or Cancer Care, 206 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA.

Je t'aime, Mosesfish, my love~until we meet again.....