Thomas Ray Corum

Ruffin - Thomas Ray Corum, 50, of 1400 Chandler Mill Road passed away and left this world of pain behind him to go to heaven on May 24, 2009. He was surrounded by his loving wife, sister, daddy, and close friends. . A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bland Leebrick and Rev. Mike Tillman officiating. Mickey Benton O'dell will be a pianist and soloist for the service. Interment will follow in the Lively Stone Baptist Church cemetery. Mr. Corum was born in Eden, N.C. to Fetzer Corum and the late Gloria Chatman Cox. He spent most of his teenage years growing up in Randleman, N.C. then moving back to Eden, where he lived most of his life until he married Teresa and moved to Ruffin, N.C. Teresa and Ray was married on October 12, 1996 and spent those years loving one another until his time to go home to be with the Lord. Ray had 22 years of service for the Mohawk Company in Eden until he was injured in an industrial accident which rendered him disabled. He was of the Baptist faith and was life member of the North American Hunting Club. Ray enjoyed drag racing, deer and turkey hunting, helping his friend, James when able on his Case tractor on the farm, was an avid crappie fisherman, and enjoyed playing with "Cash" the Rottweiler which brought him much joy. Ray had a life dream of going to Montana for an elk hunt, but before he fulfilled his dream he fell sick two weeks prior to the trip. He was well known for his crappie cooking, and everyone loved his fish fries. Ray loved his special friend, "Cash" the Rottie that loved back with unconditional love. Ray will be missed deeply by everyone that knew him. Along with his mother, he was preceded in death by grandson; Brandon Ray Tilley, granddaughter; Chelsea Leann Corum; maternal grandmother, Mary Frances Lester Chatman; maternal grandfather, Hassel Thomas Chatman; paternal grandmother, Ola Thomas Gauldin Corum and paternal grandfather, Louie Ray Corum. Mr. Corum is survived by his loving wife, Teresa Bailey Corum of the home; sons, Timothy Wayne Corum and David Lee Corum both of Eden; daughters, Christie Ann Corum Isley and husband, Samuel "Sammy" of Summerfield, N.C. and Shannon Marie Corum Tilley of Petersburg, V.A.; step-son, Jason Corde McDaniel of Richmond, V.A.; sister, Frances Diane Allred of Asheboro, N.C.; half sister, Wendy Gail Corum Horn of Stoneville and father, Fetzer Corum and stepmom, Frances Corum of Stoneville; grandchildren, Kirstin "Taylor" Corum, of Burlington, Tami Lynn Corum of Eden, Cameron Shane Tilley and Zackary "Zack" Sean Tilley both of Petersburg, V.A., Jordan Lane Isley and Kayla Ann Isley both of Summerfield, N.C.; several nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts; special friend, Lisa Bradley that he referred to as his girlfriend. The family will receive friends at Wilkerson Funeral Home on May 26, 2009 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. and other times at the home. The Family wishes to express a special thank you to all the staff of Hospice of Rockingham County, Cancer Center in Eden, Dr Karb, Dr. Mark Roy, Dr Terry Daniel, Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church and all the family and friends that have been there for the support and love during Ray's illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O Box 281, Wentworth, N.C. 27375. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family.