[a fool in paradise]

From his wife on Facebook:

Hello Friends Of Ray!!
This is Janie. Just wanted to give you a good word on Ray.
Dr. Red Duke started Ray on a TPN Tube Feeding Line last Friday and he has done a 100° turn-around! He is responding quickly and regaining his strength and that twinkle is returning to those beautiful blue eyes of his! His every thought is of getting better so he can get his new CD Distribution Deal finalized so he can release the CD he just completed and is so proud of.
Today was my birthday and Ray and I wanted say Thank You to all of you who have sent us messages and ecards and yes, an ecake as well! So many dear friends have called and even with us being here in the hospital, this birthday will stand out as one of the most memorable of any I’ve had.
Ray just said “Lot’s Of People Have Friends But Ours Are The Best”! On this we so agree!!.
Blessings To All! Janie Price

[Marcella]

His dad's farm was likely near Bettie, Texas, which is about 6 miles north of Gilmer, Texas. That is where his folks lived - I taught elementary school along with his mother in Bettie school. I was a young woman and she was an older lady then. She told me when he began singing, he sang operatic music, but decided that would never sell, so he switched to country music. Yes, that is true.

One day while teaching, I saw a large bus stop in front of the school. It was Ray on his tour bus dropping by to see his mother.