Ray Von Tinsley, known as “Pimpin Ray,” which was his nickname from a previous chapter of his life, that always brought a smile to his face. 

He was born on February 14, 1945, a Valentine’s Baby, in Lufkin, Texas, to the late Willie Tinsley and Rosie Young Tinsley.

Ray attended Booker T. Washington High School and later went to the Abilene State School. He eventually moved back to Wichita Falls, which he considered his home.

He enjoyed sharing stories from his life with family and friends, and he loved to see them laugh. Ray frequently traveled to Dallas to visit relatives and friends.

He passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, in Wichita Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosie Johnson Matthew Johnson and Willie Tinsley, as well as his siblings, Betty Sloan, Charles Tinsley, and Daniel Starks.

Ray leaves behind cherished memories for his sisters, Rosie Surney, Ellia J. Nobles (John Nobles), and Melvin Knox (Lillian Knox), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.