Raymond Thomas Suarez OBITUARY
Brooksville, FLRaymond Thomas Suarez passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Brooksville, Florida on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 at the age of 79.Affectionately known as "R Thomas" or "Tommy" by most all who knew him, he was born on December 16th, 1944 in Cortland NY to the late Raymond and Jean (Gibson) Suarez of Cincinnatus, NY.Tommy grew up in Cincinnatus NY where he graduated from Cincinnatus Central School. While he went on to college and became a bank teller, his real passion was always horses. As he grew up, Tommy showed paint horses for many years in 4H, then went on to show paint horses with Spike Holmes. He was very active in creating year end paint horse awards with his custom leather tooling, while also working at Buck and Bum Western Wear in Homer NY. Later on he moved over to Harness Horse Racing, working at various tracks up and down the eastern coast. When he met his life partner of 44 years, Bernie Waugh, he made his home in Vernon NY, where he worked at Vernon Downs Raceway for over 40 years serving as a Mutual Teller and the Horsemen's Bookkeeper. He was a staple at the track, everyone working there knew Tommy well.While in Vernon, he and Bernie started the B.K. Waugh Racing Stable, where they owned, trained and raced standardbred harness horses. When Bernie passed away in 2010, Tommy retired to Brooksville Florida to be near his brother, Carl ("Beanie") Suarez and family. Always being family oriented, Tommy made his home close to his brother's family, but never lost touch with family and friends still in NY. Tommy was never one to forget a special day, whether it be a birthday, anniversary, or special holiday, you could bank on receiving a card in the mail from him and having it arrive on that special day, because he was thoughtful enough to plan ahead to ensure it was delivered on the right day.Tommy was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Jean Suarez, sister Dorothy Jean (husband Bruce) Demond and brother Clarke Suarez. Surviving siblings are brother Carl Suarez (wife Sheila) and sister Kay Calvey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.Tommy wishes were for no viewing or funeral services. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Tommy may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital as it was always his favorite charity.Family and Friends of Tommy and Bernie are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Race on October 26th, 2024, at Vernon Downs Raceway. This race will be dedicated to honoring both Tommy and Bernie's lives.
