COMMON TATOR (RAY) PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING

[Lisa_from Buckeye Country]

He passed peacefully around 11 am with his step son and step daughter by his side. I got the call from his step-son, but have just been able to calm myself to let all of you know. Please share your thoughts, prayers, or a favorite story of Ray.

[Swede Girl]

This is sad news. I know he had a tough fight, and prayers have been with him.

His posts were an education by themselves - he was a very bright man. What a loss for Free Republic and the country it is to lose such a great patriot.

Condolences to his family.

[Vigilantcitizen]

Travel well buddy.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

I am sorry to hear that he passed. Knowing that he had that incurable cancer, I know he’s in a better place now. God is Wise and Just, and He will have something good for Common Tator to do.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

As I recall, he made some great comments on this forum.

[cyborg]

I remember when a lot of freepers thought he was Rush Limbaugh.

[Lakeside]

I am so sorry, Lisa. Common Tater has been a dear friend of ours for many years and I shall miss him so. God be with you and hold you close now and in the days to come. May the Lord also bring comfort to Ray’s family and all who loved him.

[EveningStar]

As I recall, he made some great comments on this forum.

That's quite true. He was a fine observer of the political scene.

More of his commentary is at his site.

[Dr. Scarpetta]

My condolences and sincere sympathy...

[rbosque]

God bless!

[The Raven]

Political web sites tend to attract those who have never accomplished much of anything. They suck up to a supervisor they hate. The do work they dislike doing and take orders from people they see as powerful. They see themselves as impotent pawns. But in the anonymous world of web sites they can lash out at those they fear.

-Common Tator (Free Republic) - 2005

[Joya]

So sorry.

May God rest his soul in peace.

Condolences to all who loved him.

He was a big asset here on FR.

[DollyCali]

Ray's Gravesite

These pix were taken May 2004. This is the grave of his wife "Sam". She was an accomplished musician as was Ray. Also shown is Ray's step son. The other grave , which is nearby, is that of Ray's parents .

Obituary Highlights

Born October 8, 1937, in Massieville, Ohio, to the late Kenneth E. and Margaret Young Malone.

Married the former Samora A. Montgomery on September 11, 1995, , who died April 12, 2003.

Children:
Pamela Su, of Canton,
Kelly Harris,of Columbus,
Kimberly Malone,of Columbus,
Ken Ray Malone, of Columbus,
Molly Malone, of Columbus,
Thomas A. Buck of Chillicothe
Tabitha Y. Jolly, of Wellston, OH;

Services - 1 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2009 , in the Ware Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Hartley officiating.

Burial/Final Resting Place - Grandview Cemetery, Chillicothe, Oh

[Mr. K]

God Bless you ‘Tator

We often sparred over taxes, but you argued your point with intelligence and dignity (but you’re still wrong! -there I finally get to win)

:P Say hi to the Big Man up there for me! I know that’s where you are

[StarCMC]

Oh Lisa - I am so sorry. Common Tator was always one of the good guys - he will be (and has been) greatly missed. :-(

[StarCMC]

And I can’t help but think that Texas Cowboy, LadyX and 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub have a seat all warmed up for him at the FR roundtable. Miss them all so much.

[Pinkbell]

Oh no! Prayers for the repose of his soul and his family.
:(

[Constitution Day]

I am so sorry to hear this. I don’t get on FR much on the weekend, so I missed this thread.

As others have said, his posts were always some of my favorites. Logical, clear, and well argued, I looked forward to them, especially when I first signed up here.

May Ray rest in peace.

[womanvet]

May G-d comfort you and his family. Rest in the assurance that he is in a better place, and will be with you still.

Praying for you and Ray’s family to find the peace that the Common Tator has.

[amom]

Prayers of comfort for you Lisa. I know it’s not easy. CT is amongst some very good FReepers now. Tonk, Texas Cowboy and so many more. He will live on in the hearts of the friends he made and the education he gave so many of us here.

[prairiebreeze]

I’m saddened by this news, but I know he’s been suffering and fighting the good fight with cancer.

God bless you Ray, I am proud to have known you.

There’s a new member of the angel band now. And the Good Lord has him playin’ up there.