
Ray Howard Slocum, 75 years, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 26th, 2024 at Advent Hospital in Tampa, Florida.
He was born in Los Angeles, California to the late Gloria Gellert and Ray Slocum on December 19, 1948. They had six children: Brenda, Cheryl, Ray, Marcia, Laura Dale, and William.
Ray married Betty Slocum on April 6th, 1973 in Tampa, Florida. Together, they had three daughters: Rebecca, Cheryl, and Tiffany who raised in Tampa. Ray and Betty recently celebrated 51 years of marriage. As for Betty, there’s not a minute or day that goes by that she does not think about Ray. She misses him greatly until one day when they are joined together again.
Throughout his life, Ray enjoyed spending time Betty, watching football, listening to his radio, collecting hunting knives, going to gun shows, and grilling his favorite foods on his charcoal grill. He took pride in preparing the turkey and ham with Betty for the family on Thanksgiving and Christmas. He also had a New Year’s Eve tradition that he shared with Betty to cook a Spanish pork, black eyed peas, and eat grapes for good luck in the new year.
Ray is survived by his wife, Betty; his daughter, Becky and grandsons, Efren and Anthony; his daughter, Cheryl and his granddaughter, Alexandra; and Tiffany (Ray) and grandchildren, Alyssa and Matthew. He is also survived by his three sisters, Brenda and niece, Laura (Jim); Cheryl (Frank); and Marcia (Richard) and niece, Stacy; along with his brother, William (Stacy). Ray was preceded in death by one sister, Laura Dale.
A Memorial Service will be held in Ray’s honor on July 12th at Compassionate Cremations and Memorials at 14506 N. Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33613 at 5:00. We will celebrate his life and never forget the memories we shared with him. Although Ray is no longer with us in person, he will always be in our hearts and right beside us in spirit.
Betty, Tiff, Cheryl & Becky - We are very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We hold you all in our hearts wishing you comfort & peace as God blesses you & your family in this time of sorrow. Let your love & wonderful memories of joyful times together fill your hearts as you celebrate his life. Love & memories live on forever. We love you all - Jorge & Nancy Talavera