Ray Painter

Ray "Raybo" Houston Painter, 65, was born on a snowy August morning in Spartanburg, South Carolina 1952. At least he loved to say that it was snowing that day, just to get a smile. He was the son of the late Elmer Lincoln Painter and Margaret Myrtle Blackwell Painter. A veteran of the U. S. Army National Guard, Mr. Painter was employed with Menzel Inc. for 26 years and of the Baptist faith. He leaves behind his wife, Judy Norton Painter; son, Richard Anthony Painter (wife-Kelly Lorraine Painter, children-Hannah Margaret Painter, Rebekah Lorraine Painter, Jack Houston Painter); son, Zachary Lincoln Painter (wife-Sara Raynor Painter, children-Sullivan Norton Painter, Seabrook Louise Painter); sisters, Dixie Smith and Joy Novia; and his best friend, Doc. Ray and his wife of 47 years were high school sweethearts, raised a family they treasured and took on life together until he joined the ranks of Heaven on Thursday, October 5, 2017. He passed at home, peacefully, with his family at his side. He will forever consider his two sons his proudest accomplishments. Ray was known to his five beloved grandchildren as Poppa or Pop-Pop, and for always having a treat or a surprise ready to pass out. He loved to cook for his family on Sunday afternoons and holidays - and always managed to cook enough for a family twice our size. He gave the best gifts, wrote thoughtful cards and was always willing to help those he loved in every way possible. He loved family beach trips, even though he rarely went to the beach, because of the time we spent together at the kitchen tables, playing cards and chess, telling jokes and deciding just how much bacon we would go through by the end of the week. He will be missed every day. Visitation will be 4:00-5:15 PM Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will follow at 5:30 PM, at the Chapel, conducted by the Rev. Joe Geddes. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ray "Raybo" Houston Painter please visit our Sympathy Store.