Our Eastern Shore has lost someone very special.
Mr. Thomas Ray Lewis Jr., (Ray/Fig), 69, of Eastville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family at Sentara Norfolk General on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
He was born in Nassawadox on Dec. 23, 1956, to the late Lorna June Kellam Lewis and the late Thomas Ray Lewis Sr. Ray’s life passion was digging bottles and collecting and selling antiques. He never knew a stranger, and if you were to venture into his shop of 37 years, Capeville Flea & Antiques, you were sure to get a smile, a treasure, and a history lesson of the Eastern Shore item that you chose.
Ray enjoyed setting up at bottle shows. He also added much history with information and items to the Historical Society of Virginia and the Barrier Island Museum here on the Eastern Shore. He was also an expert on sea glass, and at the shows he would let you know what kind of glass you had and date it for you.
Another great love of Ray’s was the Grateful Dead. He made many lifelong friends from the hundreds of Dead shows that he enjoyed. Many took a ride in his iconic Just Passin Thru van back in the day.
Ray was a member of Eastern Shore Van Club that raised a lot of money for our community.
Ray also achieved the great honor of Eagle Scout and received the God & Country Award.
Ray is survived by his sisters, Terri Mullen (Kermit) and Beverly Walker (Tom); his nieces, Jennifer Crumb (Joe), Becky Crumb (Ray), Summer Walton (Chris), and Emily Burke (Bryce); and his nephews, Colton Collins, Nick Collins (Haylie), and Kai Glasco.
Though Ray never married or had children, he loved spoiling all of the above, as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews, Ethan, Aubrianna, William, Levi, Nikolai, Lani, Wyatt, Emery, and Amara.
Ray had a special love for animals and his beloved kitty, Sparkle, who slept on his head every night.
Ray leaves behind many special friends, Russ, Rick, Laura, Charlene, Tira, Robert, Dale, Bob, Maryann, Phil, and Anne, who stuck with him through his time at home just to name a very few.
Ray’s family would like to thank Ray’s neighbors, members of the rescue team, and all of those who gave him such special care at Sentara Norfolk General to help let him slip away in comfort and peace.
There will be a memorial service of celebration in late spring so that his many friends and loved ones can attend from all over the country. That date will be given at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, Ray wished that any donations go to Eastern Shore SPCA, Inc., P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, or the Neuter Scooter, 3040 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
FARE THEE WELL, RAY. HE ENJOYED THE RIDE!
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doughtyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore.
