Ethridge Ray Thompson was born to the parents of Ethridge Pete from Arkansas and Katie Joe Pierce (Thompson) from Mississippi on April 8, 1955.

Ethridge confessed his belief and love for Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion M.B. Church. At Mt. Zion, he learned about the love of God and many leadership skills that he would apply throughout life. His family church, which he loved, grew and served. He was a member of the Boys and Youth Choir and The Sunshine Band. He also served as a custodian and handyman while at Mt. Zion and Mission East. He was also a member of Victory Church.

Ray was educated in the public school system of District #189 in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended Alta Sita Elementary, Clark Jr. High, and East St. Louis Senior High respectfully. While attending East Side, he discovered his love of photography. He was an avid shutterbug, recording historic moments documenting the success of many sporting events and activities.

After graduating from East St. Louis Senior High, Class of '73, he continued his education at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Il. Ray worked for the railroad and knew that education was a continued process. He received an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Business Technology and Management from The University of Kentucky, Elizabethtown Community College August 1, 1995.

Ethridge served his country in the United States Army during the Operation Desert Storm Era. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky and Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX. As a drill sergeant, he received many awards and commendations for outstanding performance in executing his duties and leadership skills. Ethridge was especially proud of his awards as a M1 Abrams Armored Battle Tanker. After sixteen years of serving his country, SGT Ethridge Thompson separated from The United States Army. He received a heartfelt thanks from his country and an Honorable Discharge. He had a special affinity for the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and especially the 5th Platoon.

Ethridge, "Rayneski", as his friends called him, loved many things. He loved his family and friends. The Redskins was his favorite football team. He was a loyal Cardinal Baseball fan. He enjoyed a good, cool drink and a smoke while sitting on the banks of the river while fishing. He liked growing
house plants, and going to church on Sunday. He enjoyed the sound of wind chimes, attending concerts with friends, playing his harmonica, and social gatherings where he served as the Barbeque Grill Master. Ray prided himself on the secret family barbeque recipe. Among his close friends, he was famous for his delicious, spicy, mouth-watering, eye burning Texas Steak Chili.

Ethridge was a man of many talents, a computer wizard, carpenter, scholar, photographer, writer, poet, and a musician. He appreciated all types of music, especially the sound of the 70's and 80's. His favorite musician was amazing guitarist Jimi Hendrix. He loved Hendrix's quote, "I don't live
today, I live tomorrow." Those who knew Ray knows that he truly did live tomorrow.

Ethridge was preceded in death by his father, Ethridge Pete and his mom, Katie J. Thompson; his eldest son, Ethridge "Raybo" Thompson, Jr., and most recently his sister, Valerie Thompson and cousin, Leonard Riddlesprigger III.

Ethridge Ray Thompson was a spouse of three, Terrie "Toots" Clark, Shiela Ann Mullen, and Darlene Bush. He was the proud father of three children, "Raybo" (Toots), DeAndre (Audrey Wayne), and his beloved daughter Yvevonna (Wanda King); a few step-children; two siblings, Valerie and Essie Thompson; eight grandchildren, Rayiana, Raekwon, Raykel, RaeSaun, Raymond J. Thompson (Raybo), Daniel Thompson (DeAndre), James and Brooklyn King (Yvevonna); a devoted special friend in life and death, Joyce Youngblood; a host of nieces, cousins, a multitude of lifelong friends and an array of female companions in South Carolina and East St. Louis.