Ray Tinsley

Memorial Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 25, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Canyon with Retired Lt. Johnny Sluder, Triumphant Truth Church in Amarillo, and Rev. John McClean, First United Methodist Church of Canyon, officiating. Private Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Ray Allan Tinsley was born on November 24, 1924 to Arley and Ruby Abbott Tinsley in Dix, Illinois. Growing up in that rural setting, he was an active hunter and fisherman. He also played basketball for his hometown high school. Ray served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and after, (1943-47). An aerial gunner on B-24"s, he later served as a crew chief on a B-29 bomber stationed in Guam. During the war while stationed at Amarillo Air Base, he met Erlene Jackson and they were married at Mt. Vernon, Illinois on December 1, 1945 before he was deployed to Guam. Ray began what would be his life"s work in law enforcement with the Amarillo Police Department early in 1948. His career took him through many phases: from patrolman at first to motorcycle officer in 1950. Promoted to Sergeant in 1952, he was assigned to the Crime Prevention Division and later became a juvenile officer. He became a Randall County Deputy Sheriff early in 1956 and served in that capacity until his retirement at the end of 1989. These years would bring his highest acclaim as he guarded two U.S. presidents, (Eisenhower and Ford) during visits to the area. He was also instrumental on two occasions in the immediate capture of escaped felons who had murdered fellow police officers. These actions resulted in national commendations. He was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Evelyn and a brother, Clyde. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Erlene Tinsley, of the home; five sons, Michael and wife Lynda, David and wife, Deborah, Kelly and wife, Terri, Christopher and wife, Linda, and Patrick, all of Canyon; his grandchildren, Dr. Amanda Mathias, Elizabeth Green, Allison, Kyle, Elyse, Kirby and Cole Tinsley; and great grandchildren, Addison Rae and Kane Tinsley, and Tinsley Kate Mathias. The family requests memorials be made to the Hospice Care of the Southwest, 1301 S. Coulter, Ste. 404, Amarillo, TX 79106, or a favorite charity. The Tinsley family also wishes to express a special thank you to the angel nurses of Canyon Healthcare and the Hospice Care of the Southwest for their love and care.