The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock mourns the passing of our esteemed member, Ray Reynolds, who left us on 10 November 2025 at the age of 88. Ray’s life was a shining example of service, fellowship, and dedication to both community and country.
Ray joined the Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock on 16 September 1984 and quickly became a valued member, known for his integrity, warmth, and commitment to Rotary ideals. His leadership was recognized when he served as President from 1993 to 1994, guiding the club with vision and enthusiasm. In November 1996, Ray was honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow, a distinction that reflected his outstanding contributions to Rotary and his embodiment of “Service Above Self.”
Beyond Rotary, Ray’s life was rich with service and adventure. He proudly served as a paratrooper in the Royal Engineers, demonstrating courage and discipline, and remained closely connected with “The Regiment,” visiting and welcoming fellow veterans throughout his life. He also pursued his passion for speed as a stock car racer, a pursuit that captured his adventurous spirit. Professionally, Ray worked in retail radio and television, where his reliability and knowledge earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike.
Ray’s adventurous nature was fondly remembered by fellow Rotarian Bob Paterson, who recalled:
“He was always up for something daring and liked a challenge. One year, both he and I were sponsored by the Club and others to abseil down from the grain towers at Tilbury in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. Ray was having a fairly heated argument with one of the safety guys because they insisted that he had to go down backwards. Ray wanted to run down facing the ground as that was the way he’d done it in the army. We both went down in the conventional backwards manner. We started at the same time but he was still on the ground long before me.”
Ray was also a constant presence at the War Memorial each November, accompanying the Club President and ensuring the wreath was obtained and laid on behalf of the Club. His commitment to remembrance was a hallmark of his Rotary service.
Together with his beloved wife, Jean, Ray embraced Rotary’s international fellowship. They regularly attended Tripartite meetings abroad at a time when only a handful of Rotarians and partners travelled overseas. At home, Jean and Ray warmly hosted visiting Rotarians from Holland and Germany, opening their doors for dinner parties and strengthening bonds of friendship across borders.
Ray also played a key role in one of the club’s most beloved traditions: he installed the first sound system on the original Rotary sleigh and continued to upgrade it over the years, ensuring that the sleigh brought joy and festive spirit to the community.
Ray was predeceased by Jean, who shared in his journey and achievements. His presence in our club will be deeply missed, but his legacy of fellowship, leadership, remembrance, and spirited living will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps.
The Rotary Club of Grays Thurrock celebrates Ray’s life with gratitude and honours his memory as a true Rotarian.
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