Raymond “Ray” Allen Costa, age 78 of Pleasant View, Tennessee died Sunday, September 1, 2024, at his home.
Mr. Costa was born on May 23, 1946 in Fall River, Massachusetts to the late Manuel & Hilda Shaw Costa. Ray retired from Baird Ward Printing Company (Quebecor World) in Nashville with 33 years of service in the printing industry. After retiring he began a second career in the medical field at Summit Medical Center. Ray always said the best part of his working career was spent at Summit Hospital taking care of his patients. He worked in surgery and received many awards and compliments from patients and employees for the compassion he extended to the patients and their families.
Ray possessed a unique gift in the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered. He never met a stranger. His friendly demeanor and genuine interest in others showed in the way he always wanted to know the person by name. Upon meeting that person again he would always address them by name and want to know how they were doing. People remembered him and were drawn to start a conversation whether at a store, gas station or the local convenience center.
Ray was a person that knew a little bit about everything no matter the subject. He could talk to people about any topic that came up. He loved history and was a walking book as to how and why things were made. He was so smart and was always willing to share his knowledge and resources with family, friends or the people he met daily. He always had a $50 bill in his wallet and would pick someone that took care of us in a store and give it to them. He was a very generous man.
Ray was a strong believer in the Jerry Lewis statement that you should tell people how you feel about them while they are living and not wait until they pass and say it to the family. He would say… I’m not going to hear it after I’m gone.
Ray loved cars, coin collecting and antiquing.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Richard Costa; and his faithful fur babies, Dallas & Josie.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carol Costa; brothers, Jim (Wanda) Costa and Roland Costa; brother-in-law, Barry (Cindy) Simpson; several nieces and nephews; and very dear friend, Debbie Felts.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Costa’s memory to: Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue, PO Box 210, Nashville, Tn 37221.
Mr. Costa’s remains will be cremated and no services are planned at this time.
AUSTIN & BELL FUNERAL HOME in Pleasant View is in charge of these arrangements. 6316 Highway 41A, Pleasant View, Tennessee 37146 (615) 746-4433 www.austinandbell.com
