Here are two more reflections on the passing of Ray Goins from his friends and contemporaries in the music business.
Paul Williams had this to say about his old friend.
I first met Ray Goins, when I was with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers in 1951. Jimmy Williams had left to go and work for Mac Wiseman, and Ezra hired Ray to play the banjo. He was a good lead singer as well. We did the first recording on RCA Victor with the Fiddlers, and became and remained friends.
Ray was a real good person, sorta laid back, and easy going in those days. We had some great times together in Bluefield, WV on WHIS. I have very fond memories of a real good person.
He was ready to leave here, he had told me in the past. Now his troubles, pain, heartaches and worries are all over. He is at rest in the Paradise of God. He will be greatly missed in the Bluegrass world.
Larry Sparks also shared a few thoughts about Ray.
Ray Goins played a part in the making of bluegrass music, starting back in the early years with his banjo playing and his good tenor singing playing with his brother Melvin Goins. I remember Ray as being a very nice man – always friendly with everyone and willing to give of himself to his fans. He loved this music.
I’m glad we got to meet over the years and to sing together a few times. We were friends, and most importantly, brothers in Christ Jesus.
