J. RAY THIGPEN

PAXVILLE -- J. Ray Thigpen, 65, died Aug. 12, 2008, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, after a long illness.

Born Feb. 20, 1943, in Byerly Hospital, Hartsville, he was a son of the late Robert Carson Thigpen Sr. and the late Lillian Ruth Hodge. Mr. Thigpen was a retired mechanic for Sumter County.

Survivors include his wife, Marie G. Thigpen; a brother, Bobby Thigpen (Teresa) of Florence; two nephews, Robby and Jeffrey Thigpen; and a niece, Kristal Jones, all of Florence.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Paxville Methodist Church with the Rev. Mickey Bell officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church after the service.

Memorials may be made to the Paxville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 203, Pinewood, SC 29125.

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.