[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 151 (Friday, August 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF RAY L. TOWNSEND

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 28, 2020

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ray L. 
Townsend, of Warren, Ohio, who passed away peacefully on August 3, 2020 
at the age of 83.
  Ray was born February 20, 1937 in Varnell, Georgia to the late Claude 
and Mary (Sweeney) Townsend.
  Ray married his late wife Linda on December 7, 1956. They loved to 
dance and travel. Their pride was the family they built together. Their 
love and devotion for each other was an inspiration for other couples 
to aspire to. Their welcoming home was open to all because ``it takes a 
family to build a community.''
  Ray worked non-stop and was a wonderful provider. Even up to his last 
month, he was working on cars, doing construction and passing on his 
knowledge to his grandkids.
  He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Army.
  Ray retired from WCI Steel in 2000, where he worked for 
transportation for over 42 years. As a committed union representative, 
he fought for fairness. He solicited tirelessly for ``the working 
man.''
  Besides his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his wife, the former 
Linda E. Burd and his sisters, Lois Carmen and Frances Weaver.
  Ray is survived by his children, Sandra Ham, Eugene (Pam) Townsend, 
Robert (Laura) Townsend, Joseph (Jill) Townsend, Richard (Suzanne) 
Townsend and Phillip (Audria) Townsend; ten grandchildren and one 
great-grandchild.
  Mr. Townsend was a strong advocate for the working people of the 
Mahoning Valley, and I thank him for his service to our country. Ray 
was also a great friend to my office in Warren--dropping by to chat and 
delivering sweets during the holidays. My greatest sympathies, and 
those of my entire staff, go out to Ray's family and to everyone whose 
lives he touched.

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