In the late 1950’s, our middle brother, Raymond, became quite an equestrian and my parents purchased a horse for him named Tema Grey. She was a beautiful quarter and Arabian mix. When they first purchased Tema Grey (for whatever reason), our parents felt like they could keep her in the back yard on St. Louis St. They built a stall and since our backyard was fenced and an alley behind us, she had plenty of room between the neighbors. She was kept there for a while, until she got loose and was found on Howard Ave. a few blocks away.
Luckily, even though Howard Avenue was a major street, the traffic for the time was minimal, and Tema Grey did not get hurt. It must have been Dad, who captured her and brought her home.
After that incident, she was boarded out nearby on a dairy with other horses. The dairy was near Armenia and Hillsborough Avenue (The Lazy T Ranch) and Ray would spend much of his time working with her and entering her in horse shows. He became a great rider and earned many ribbons and trophies with his skills. He would show horses for others, as he was that good! Ray was very intelligent and had wonderful skills that included his love of horses. The owner, Tony, and Ray worked with a young girl, named Linda Lyman, and together they entered many competitions.
This above picture is of Ray with Tema Grey, at a horse show. He won many ribbons and trophies honoring his talent for with horses.
Ray, as I have mentioned was a talented, intelligent person. He was beyond his time in the way he led his life and was his “own person”. He had a musical talent, but never pursued it. I did not know much about this interest in horses, other than it was a sport that he pursued every day that he could. I’m not sure how he entered it or if it was Dad’s idea, but none the less; he went into it with full force and met many others that shared his passion.
Ray taught me so much when I was young, but I failed to realize it then. As the years have gone by, I now realize that everyone has dreams, desires, and hopes. Ray somehow knew his, but was unable to connect (at least to me), so that others could understand. He had love in his heart and dreams that would never get fulfilled. But, Ray lived his life the way he wanted! I feel Mom and Dad understood Ray and yet all of this was an “unspoken” conversation. They loved him like no one else could! He was a true son to them; a hero, strong willed, talented, and driven. As I have said before he was beyond his years and time. I only knew Ray as a brother that I shared a room with. It is sad, I never got to know him more than that; as he was an intelligent, loving person who may have appeared distant at times, but he had many emotions (many of which I did not understand). There is much more I wish I could say about him, but the experiences are not there……..many of them I feel are blocked out due to his passing so young. When I do speak of him, I express how I loved him and miss him! I know how much our parents missed him and that hurt me badly! To this day, I still think about him; reliving the love, the good times together, but regretting the times we fought as brothers……….although there were times I thought I could be the “big brother” to him, it just did not seem to work. I will always think back as to how I could have helped more, but know it is too late for that.
This above picture of Ray and his group was taken in Floral City, FL receiving one of his many awards.
The following are some pictures that will tell the story that sadly I never knew.
In this picture Ray was riding Irish Velvet. He won 3rd in Western Pleasure on August 22, 1966, at the Circle Ranch. Here he is being presented another ribbon.
The picture below shows Ray with Linda in Gainesville entering a Palomino Show. Dukes Golden Dutches is the name of the horse he is riding and this was taken May 21, 1966. He won 4th place for horsemanship in this event.
Ray is shown below with Sam Leto. Mr. Sam Leto was known in West Tampa as “Red Eye Leto” and in the late 60’s, I ran against him for Mayor of Ybor City. This photo was taken in 1967.
Ray on Cathy Cash (riding in the Pleasure category) Jack Roney was the judge at this competition.
Ray above with (his own horse), Tema Grey at an undisclosed horse show (probably)in the 60’s as well. His hat is in my garage and I keep it inside a case.
As I write and remember Ray, I will always remember what an awesome person he was, how much our parents loved him, and how he will never be forgotten! Horses were his love, and I sometimes wonder if he would have pursued the veterinarian profession (as our father dreamed of while attending college). He would have made an excellent vet. Although, no matter what he would have pursued; he would have been great!
His sudden passing in the 70’s, changed my parents’ lives forever as well as his siblings.
So with great admiration and love I presented one facet of his life to you in hopes that he will be known and remembered for the wonderful person he was!
Love from, Dennis, Bobby, Mom, and Dad!