Ray Vassar

RAY VASSAR

Anthony Ray Vassar, Jr. of Columbus, MS, transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, 16 January 2021, in Starkville, MS. He was 31 years of age.

Ray confessed his belief in God at an early age. Born on 1 April 1989, in Memphis, TN, he was the second eldest child of Mr. Anthony Ray Vassar Sr., and Lemetia (Barnes) Vassar. He was a thoughtful son, brother, fiancé, uncle, cousin, friend, and confidant who will be truly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have been in his presence. While enrolled at New Hope High School he was a proud representative of Phi Omega where his line name was “Big Show”. In and out of school he loved playing basketball. He attended the Boys & Girls Clubs of America where he volunteered at times to work in the concession stand when he was not hooping on the courts. Ray began composing and recording music during this time and engaged in many rap battles.

On 22 April 2008, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. Discharged Honorably from the Navy, Seaman Vassar received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy/ Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Navy Marksman Pistol Shot Ribbon. His military education consisted of Recruit Training and Postal Operations (ADT) School. Ray was a genuine individual who thought of others before himself on a consistent basis; wise beyond his years, a man of character with high moral standards, he was a man people respected and looked up to. Ray was a man of his word and if he said he was going to do something he followed through. His circle consisted of a select few, but to those who were allowed to enter they were considered family. “Anthony, Ray, Junior, Big Show, Ruga Ray”, whatever name you knew him by during his limited time here on Earth, Anthony accomplished many goals and experienced a wonderful life. He became a veteran, truck driver, and chef. He lived in Vilseck, Germany, for a while and had the joy of watching and caring for his niece Anaiya. Unfortunately, he did not have any children but each child in the family he “adopted” as his own and loved immensely. Ray said he was going to be the uncle that would be there for all his nieces and nephews and he was. They truly loved him with all their hearts and will miss him dearly. The life he led was full and even though he was so young he was able to accomplish many important milestones in it.

Ray will be greatly missed by his parents, Anthony R. Vassar, Sr. and Lemetia D. Vassar, his fiancé, Catrice L. Hairston; his siblings, LaTriece D. Thompson (Derrick R. Thompson), Trayona M. Love (Joshua B. Love) and Steven I. Vassar (Drucilla B. Vassar); four nieces; two nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 12-2 PM at Memorial Gunter Peel, 903 College Street, and the funeral thereafter at 2 PM on 30 January 2021.