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1932
2021
Tilden Ray Stumbo, Surrounded by loved ones, in the peace and comfort of Brenda Stumbo's Ypsilanti, Mich. home, T.R. left this earthly life for his eternal one, in the early hours of Wed., Jan. 6, 2021. He was born Nov. 7, 1932 in Martin, KY. The youngest of four children, T.R. was a basketball star and graduate of McDowell High School. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army, and after serving his time with honor, in Germany, he returned home to Floyd County. A short few years later he met a beautiful Arkansas girl, Lynda Jo McMinn, who he fell in love with and married. After their first child (Ray, Jr.) was born there in Martin, KY, he moved his young family to Ypsilanti, Mich., where the couple had four more in three years, Barry, Lisa and twin boys Dale and Dean. Here too, he found his calling in life, becoming an elected public official, an entrepreneur, and land developer over the next several decades. While establishing a reputation as hard working, "a man of the people", a lover of life, and receiving numerous distinguished civic honors and awards over the years, he never forgot his eastern Kentucky roots. In his heart and mind he was never far from Star Bottom, those low-lying, fertile fields along the banks of Left Beaver Creek behind the old homestead, where he plowed the ground behind his ole mule "Toolbox" & formed his life's principles. As he made his mark, touching lives wherever he went, he tried to stay true to what he believed was man's purpose. "In my thinking," he wrote in 2005, "life is a journey through time. Our mission is to be kind to each other, love one another, spread joy and happiness among strangers, friends, and family. Comfort and help those in need and most of all, enhance our family well being with respect, love, devotion and hard work." Outside of his public service and work-related passions, dad loved the game of basketball, the groove of blues music, and oh how he loved to dance! We trust he's now dunking, grooving, and dancing to the heavenly music of God's Angel Band. Left to celebrate and continue his legacy are his sons: Ray Jr. (Meta Jo) Port Allen, LA., Barry (Michele) Lexington, KY., and Dale (Wildwood, FL); grandchildren Taylor Rae, Demoss, Dewey, Erica Jo, Erin Dean, and Kaley Jo; cousin, confidante, and best friend Brenda Stumbo (Ypsilanti, MI) and a host of wonderful family and friends spread across this great country. Preceded to eternity by his parents George Dewey and Vida Collins Stumbo (McDowell, KY); siblings Collis (Bowling Green, KY), Dewey Gilbert "Gibby" (Wabash, IN) and Oneida Hall (Belleville, MI) and children Dean (Ypsilanti, MI) and Lisa Jo Fowler (Oviedo, FL) and the precious mother of his children Lynda Jo Maddox (Wildwood, FL). When COVID restrictions lift, a joyous celebration of dad's life will be held in Ypsilanti, hopefully sometime this summer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
James Knelman
January 11, 2021
Tilden Ray was my cousin and dear friend. He was an encourager to me when I opened my small business in McDowell. I will love and miss him always. TRISH Lawson Cieslak
TRISH Lawson Cieslak
Family
January 10, 2021
I love you!
Pat
Friend
January 10, 2021
You were a great man T.R. and will always remember your laughter and kindness and dancing! Prayers to Brenda and his boys.
Dianne Marsh
Friend
January 10, 2021
So sorry to hear about TR. We always had some good conversations. The stalwart in the redevelopment of Ypsilanti Township. Sadly missed. Condolences to the family
David Novak
Friend
January 9, 2021
My heart weeps, yet I celebrate the honor of knowing this fine Man.
Kathy Deyo
Friend
January 9, 2021
He was a remarkable person whom I was privileged to know and call a friend and a relative
Greg Stumbo
Family
January 9, 2021
TR was and always will be a name that will never be forgotten memory eternal. God Bless
Jimmy Philippou & Philippou family
Friend
January 9, 2021
Sorry for your loss Ray (Jr). Sounds like he was a great guy.
Raynold (Ray) Corona
Friend
January 9, 2021
Terry and I express our deepest sympathy to Little Ray, Barry , Dale Brenda and family . TR was a man larger than life and he lived life giving and helping others. He will be remembered as a pioneer in Ypsilanti with his hard work and dedication to our township. He always had a smile on his face and I can hear the laughter in this voice,, he will be missed. Hugs to all.
Mittie McMaster
Friend
January 9, 2021
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