Ray A Famous

Ray Anthony Famous, age 57, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Born on November 26, 1967, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Ray was the eldest male of five siblings. He grew up in Hot Springs and graduated from Hot Springs High School, where he developed lifelong respect for the teachers and coaches who influenced his academic and athletic life. From a young age, Ray had a passion for sports—especially football and boxing. He started playing football as a boy and boxed through the Boys and Girls Club of Hot Springs, where he learned discipline, focus, and perseverance. These qualities became hallmarks of his character throughout his life. Ray worked in several industries, including food service as a cook, sales as a representative, and in the horse racing and gaming sector—both in the barn as a groomsman and in administrative roles. His natural charisma, strong work ethic, and people skills made him stand out in every job he held. Ray had a love for thoroughbred racehorses, admiring not only their strength and speed but also their noble spirit. To him, each horse represented a remarkable blend of nature’s grace and raw power. His passion for horse racing extended far beyond the track. He was an avid student of the sport, he studied race statistics, pedigrees, and the detailed history of some of the greatest horses to ever run and races. A man of deep faith, Ray was a proud and devoted Christian, attending and serving in several churches over the years. In Des Moines, he was a member of Corinthian Baptist Church and previously belonged to Union Missionary Baptist Church, Gospel Light Baptist Church, and Baptist Temple Church in Hot Springs. He served actively in youth ministries and bus routes, giving his time and energy to help others grow in faith. Ray was also a loving husband, father and grandfather, who cherished his family above all else. He found great joy in spending time with his children and grandson. One of his greatest pleasures was cooking and grilling with his loved ones, using meals as a way to express his love and bring people together. These gatherings were filled with food, stories, laughter, music, and sports—all things Ray loved. Known for his infectious smile, upbeat personality, and generous spirit, Ray never met a stranger and left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. His life was marked by faith, family, hard work, and a deep love for others. Ray was preceded in death by his grandmother, Jessie L. Ford Cornelius, parents Herbert Clark, LeeWanna Cornelius Famous and his beloved wife Ramona Famous, whom he now joins in eternal peace. He is survived by his children Anthony Thomas Sr., Adrian Thomas and his adored grandson, Anthony Thomas Jr.; furthermore, his siblings, Demetrice Williams-Coleman, Barbara Ann Famous, Merraye Famous Sr., Laron Famous, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and loved ones who will carry his memory with them always. A service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hot Springs Funeral Home in Hot Springs Arkansas, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Ray A Famous

November 26, 1967 - April 29, 2025