In Memorial of Ray Gator

The boys won one for the first time since you left us Ray. Hope you’re watching or doing something more celestial.

 

I watched a couple of road games back in the day at Southside Hooters. I talked to him on many occasions. Real good guy.

 

I thought of Ray today. Nice man. Life is short. Almost lost mine this year. Make the most of the time you’re given.

 

Ray, the boys of ole Florida kicked some booty on Saturday. We had a defense, and an offense clicking in unison. DJ was amazing. The receivers, the lines. Man...

It was a thing of beauty. The Swamp was rocking.

Go Gators.

 

I first discovered GatorCountry and Swamp Gas in particular in 2003 when I was living as an exile in Nebraska (my first member name on here was NebraskaGator). It was evident back then that Ray was the heart and soul of this forum.

Towards the end of that season, the Gators were invited to play in the Outback Bowl, so I decided to make a pilgrimage back to Florida for the game. Making the trip by myself, I put a thread out asking if anyone on the board wanted to meet the night before and have dinner at an Outback Steakhouse. Ray responded and so we met for dinner on New Year's Eve.

We had a great conversation over dinner. Besides our shared passion for the Gators, we also talked about church / liturgical life as well (something I was very into back then, not so much now). As it turned out, that would be the only time I would ever cross paths with him in person, but his kindness and generous soul were not lost on me whenever we interacted on here in the years that followed.

Rest in peace, Ray...

 

Ray and I talked a lot about getting old and the pain and limitations that go with it. We both understood that life is a terminal illness and you don't survive it. The main thing we shared was living for Christ and the grace that comes with the journey. We can celebrate knowing that Ray is in a better place.

 

RAY! Man, we had a great end to the season. The kids left it all on the field, and this team, the coaches and players and some new recruits we have coming in, will be inspired next year, for sure.

And, as good as the season ended, we were up on Georgia when DJ went down, and we went into overtime at Neyland...not too shabby.

Anyway, I suppose you're busy with some Gator Angels up yonder. I'm glad your suffering has ended.

Go Gators.

 

Ray Gator, never met him but I feel like I know him. A legend.