Tribute to Ray Mack Thompson

July 3, 1930 - October 21, 2024

One of the 12 Original Founding Members of The Apple Corps of Dallas

     “I have sad news to share tonight. Ray Thompson, one of the founding members of The Apple Corps of Dallas, passed away this evening at home. He had been in declining health since suffering a heart attack a couple of months ago, and it seemed that it really accelerated these last couple of weeks. As a founding member, Ray contributed immensely to our club since that first meeting in 1978 through his knowledge, passion for all things Apple, and willingness to step in with a great talk whenever we needed him. I’ve known Ray for 25 years, which I’m sure is a much shorter time than many (most?) of you, and I will miss his company and his West Texas baritone that just about defined the ACD for me.” - Richard Lynch, President, The Apple Corps of Dallas

     Ray was an original founding member of The Apple Corps of Dallas, attending the first meeting at the Greenhill School in north Dallas on January 7, 1978. A recording of this meeting on cassette was given to Ray by fellow founding member George Wruck and can be listened to here:

and the transcription can be read here.

     Ray was a prolific contributor to ACD for 46 years, and held many positions over that time:

Board Member (1997-1998, 2023-2024)
Budget Committee Member (2023)
Historian (2010-2020)
Macintosh Consultant (2009-2012)
SIG Leader:

• Photography & Video (2011-2012)

• FileMaker (1997-1998, 2006-2009)

• Mac OS X (2001-2005)

• iMac (1998-2000)

• Macintosh Computer (1985-1987)

• Macintosh and Lisa (1984-1985)

• Beginning on the Apple (1984-1985)

• Apple II (1979-1982)

Outreach Committee Member (1998)
AppleGram Reporter (1984-1987)
First Fund Raiser for ACD (1978-1979)

     Ray’s online links:

• Facebook

• Personal web page

• Flickr

     In 2022 Ray published a book titled “Our Little House On the Prairie”.  There isn’t a working link to the .pdf available for this, but here are Ray’s words describing it:

     “Some of you know I have published a book based on a story my mother, Zorene, wrote when she was 84 years old. Her story recounts her childhood memories of moving from deep East Texas to a barren homestead in New Mexico Territory in 1908. When the internet caught my eye in the 1900s, I began to search for more information about her story. I found information about homesteading and met others interested in the history of the times. Over several years, I added my research to mother’s story and in 2022, I published it under her original title, “Our Little House On the Prairie.” I sent 200 copies to family, friends, and collaborators I met while doing my research.

     Chapter 5 of mother’s book came almost entirely from internet sources. It tells the story of a murder in the small town near their homestead. Two collaborators, who are now dear friends, provided most of the information for this chapter. Their contributions have been exciting because they revealed connections to my family that I had never heard of! One connection was only revealed after the book was published. It adds critical details about the murder story that I know will interest anyone reading Chapter 5! So, I have prepared an Addendum (16 pages) to mother’s book that I want all of my readers to have.

     Thanks for your interest in our family history. I hope it will inspire you to gather and record your family’s history.”   - With very best regards, Ray Mack Thompson

     One of Ray’s last accomplishments was a big one - he was instrumental in helping to realize the idea to have all issues of the AppleGram donated to a historical group for preservation.  Because of Ray’s motivation and perseverance to see this through, the entire collection of AppleGram newsletters are in the process of being hosted online by the University of North Texas on their "Portal to Texas History” website (click on the image).

Ray (at left) at a meeting of the "Apple // Forever" SIG circa 2000.  Just to his left on the table are pieces of his Apple // system, serial number 631, one of the earliest purchased in the Dallas area (October 1977).  He often proudly displayed this system to other ACD members and talked about it in a video he made called “How It All Began” that is posted on the main ACD web page.

Personal tributes from ACD members:

“I didn’t know Ray that well, but always learned from his many Applelistic “pearls of wisdom.”
You could see that he had a great heart and loved sharing his expertise. I (we) are better off because of him.”  - Jim Griffin

“Ray, you will be missed. You were passionate about tech and taught many of us. Thanks for all that you have done. Your systems may have powered down, but your legacy will always remain online with us.” - Timothy Chan
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“Ray was the one that helped me the most when I joined several years ago in Richardson. He was a great teacher and a very kind gentleman. He will be sincerely missed.” - Paul Hatzenbuehler
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“This is very sad news indeed. The one thing that I loved about him was his thirst for anything Apple related. He loved to share what he learned with others.

He made a difference in this world.” - James Theiler
________

“I’m very sorry to hear that.  He was a knowledgeable and very kind man.  Blessings to all.” - Sue Kelly
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“Wonderful tributes about our great Ray Thompson. I can best say “Ditto” to those eloquent remarks as we all share our memories of one who will carry on in Apple Corp history. I met Ray in 1977 and can still remember the kindred spirit that swept over so many of us who thrilled over learning about Apple and what it could and would do in our lives. Pretty sure that was when the term “Apple Fan Boy” was hatched. Thank You, Ray. RIP my friend.” - Gary Clark
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“Sad news, indeed.

I admired his curiosity and his eagerness to learn new things, AI being his latest interest.

Mary Ann and I will miss him.” - Jose and Mary Ann Artiles
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“Such a treasure. Always kind, always willing to share, always learning.

I was so happy that Ray and Dot united several years ago because I know how much joy that brought into each other's lives.

Apple Corps will forever be indebted to this wonderful man. May each of us carry a piece of Ray with us as we navigate today's technology. Our pioneers helped each of us establish our own foundational knowledge of this often challenging, endlessly evolving, fascinating, frustrating and magical world.

A life well-lived.

Peace to all of you.” - Maggie Reddy
________

“I was just thinking how much I will miss Ray exhorting me to learn AI in recent months. Ray was such a treasure to the Apple Corps and to humanity. He will be missed.” - Bill Miranda
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“Sometimes, when pondering things at my computer desk, I wonder, "Is the world better off because of 'this person' or 'that person'?” and with Ray, I can honestly say the answer was yes.

Even a few months ago, he was enthusiastic about wanting to learn more about AI and what those models could do—and not just in programming but also with graphics and creating content. Ray’s never-ending pursuit of learning new things was awe-inspiring, and I hope that is a trait I can continue as I grow older.

He was also incredibly welcoming. When I first checked out Apple Corps of Dallas, I wasn’t sure if I belonged. I was just some young punk trying to get by in college and working retail at the local computer store. Ray was one of the many welcoming faces that made me want to keep coming back, learn more, learn some neat historical facts about Macs and computers in general, and eventually get involved.

So, I’m happy I got to meet Ray, and every time I help someone with an Apple device, software, or computers in general, I think I’m helping his legacy of learning and teaching live on.” - Jonesy
________

“In 1978, a vision was born, and at its heart was a remarkable individual who believed in the power of community, innovation, and growth. Today, we say goodbye to a founding member who not only helped build this Apple user group from the ground up but also nurtured it with wisdom, passion, and unwavering dedication.

Your journey with us has been nothing short of inspirational. From the earliest days of navigating new technology together, you stood as a beacon of knowledge and guidance. Your contributions have shaped the fabric of our group, leaving an indelible mark on all our lives.

As we continue forward, your legacy will always be a part of our story. We are profoundly grateful for your leadership, your friendship, and the countless memories shared. Although this farewell brings sadness, we find comfort in knowing that your impact will forever remain in the community you helped create.

Rest in peace, dear friend. Your spirit lives on in every Apple device we touch and every innovation we explore.” 

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lawrence Jenkins
Vice president of the Dallas Users Group
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“In recent months, he was always very helpful, encouraging, and congenial, toward me - a mostly ignorant outsider. I do appreciate that he was a resource that will be missed by more than a few.” - John McCall
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“We worked through many ideas together.” - Paul Sheldon
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