Monday, August 04, 2008

Ray Underhill RIP

Ray Underhill died a few days ago. He had chordoma which is a rare cancer. Say a prayer for his family and the skateboarding community. Ray might not of attained the fame some of his peers did - remember he was part of the Bones Brigade, but he kept working in the industry his whole life. Last I heard he was Tony Hawk's webmaster.

Ray was always a big deal to us in Middle Tennessee. The only skaters from Tennesse we knew that were professional back in the mid to late 80's were Bill Danforth and Ray Underhill. There was an article in Transworld Skateboarding back in the day with Ray as he took them around to all of the skate spots he liked in Nashville. Thanks to him, us Murfreesboro skaters were able to skate the Knights Of Columbus pool by the airport (and get kicked out by a grouchy KOC member once), and the transition at the base of the Tennessee building downtown. We were proud that Ray was from Tennessee and now we're sad that he's gone.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I didn't know Ray, but I also have a clival chordoma like he had. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I am not from TN but was just in Murfreesboro visiting a friend last week. You have a beautiful place there. I know Ray will be missed.

Anonymous said...

I grew up in Hendersonville just two blocks from Ray and his family. i am also fortunate to have remained extrememly close to Ray's father, step-mother and her daughters. Talk about a remarkable guy!!! Ray has blessed so many and he will be greatly missed... he fought the chordoma valiantly and has had an outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and the skateboard community. He will truly be missed...