Emmett Ray Thurston Sr.

Ray went to Heaven to be with his beloved wife Nettie Viola on February 7, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born to Roy J. Thurston and Alice L. (Simms) Thurston of Mineral, Virginia, the fourth of eight children. He is survived by his younger brother Gerald and his wife Sue, and predeceased by his siblings James, Ida Gray, Jack, Peggy, Patsy, Stuart, and their spouses.

Ray was a loving father to his daughter Linda Ricketts and his son Ray Thurston Jr. He was a wonderful father-in-law to Linda's husband Don, and Ray's wife Diane, who predeceased him. He was so proud of his three grandchildren Greg, Jordan, and Meghan, Greg's wife Sarah, and Jordan's wife Kate. He so enjoyed seeing his great-grandchildren Emmersyn and Bennett. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Ray married his wife Nettie on October 24, 1953. He served in the United States Army during 1956 and 1957. He lived in Jones Creek (the 19), Md, and worked at Bethlehem Steel Sparrows Point as a truck driver for 31 years before retiring on March 1, 1988. Ray loved gathering with his family and friends for cookouts, camping, fishing, and bluegrass festivals.

Ray's family will receive friends at the Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Rd. on Friday February 14 from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM, with a funeral service at 1:00 PM and an interment following at Holly Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to American Cancer Society or Wounded Warrior Project.