In Memory of AngelE Taylor Ray

Written by Sheila Johnson

Angie was born in 1930 in Cerro Gordo, Illinois. From an early age, Angie loved music. She mastered the Marimba at a young age and the Flute, playing in concerts and the marching band. While doing that, she began playing tennis at 11 years of age and has been playing ever since.

At Illinois State University, Angie got her degree in education and taught first and second grade until her retirement. She had 3 children and family was very important to her. After her husband’s death in 1997, Angie joined the USTA and began playing in tournaments all over the country. She would say, “Tournaments are a wonderful way to meet interesting people and make new friends.” 

Between 2010 and 2018, Angie won 19 national championships (gold balls) in the 70, 75, 80, and 85-year-old age divisions. All the time I knew Angie her goal was to make a Cup team. In 2018 she was selected for the Angela Mortimer Cup (85s), but illness kept her from making the trip to Europe.

Angie was an incredible person. She became involved in her church in the late 60’s: choir, playing handbells, teaching, working in a Sunday School room, Bible Study and Book Club. Outside of church, she read for the blind and dyslexic.

She will be missed on and off the court.