Ray Thornton, also known as Ray Hooter, is a hard worker and a wonderful father. He doesn't know a stranger and makes friends everywhere he goes.

He's been maintenance, groundskeeper, and bus driver for Girls Inc. of Tennessee for 8 years, a non-profit after-school program encouraging girls to pursue their dreams and grow independent and confident. He is affectionately known as Mr. Ray by the many girls he has driven over the years. He promised the mother of his children that he wouldn't ride a motorcycle again until after their kids graduated from high school. He kept his promise, and in 2023, he bought his first motorcycle in over a decade. He rode it to and from work most days and enjoyed the freedom it gave him.

On Friday, September 6th, all of that changed. A driver in an SUV ran a stop sign and struck Ray directly on the right side. Luckily, he lived, but it wasn't sure if he would at first. He was flown via lifestar from Harriman, TN to UT Medical Center to recieve emergency care. The road has been rocky, but slowly and surely, Ray is recovering! He will lose his right leg, has 4 broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and road rash. We are incredibly blessed to still have him with us, and in fact, we celebrated his 52nd birthday in the hospital on 9/18. However, he will struggle with significant life changes. In October, his only daughter is getting married. Although he won't be able to walk her down the aisle, he will be in attendance, which is a tremendous blessing. 

Surgery for amputation is scheduled in the coming week, and the road to recovery can begin.

Our family is doing all that we can to help Ray.   We hate to ask, but if Ray's story touches your heart, a donation would be so appreciated.  Thanks to BikerDown's BDFundme program, we will receive 100% of the funds if the donors also donate the credit card fees.  What a blessing to have this option at a time when we need it the most.

BikerDown is offering social media fundraising to our accident victims and their families.   100% of your donation goes to the family, all donors can add the credit card processing fees to your donation to help BikerDown continue to host these fundraisers.   If you have any questions, please email info@bikerdown.org, or call our office at 720-328-9795.  You can also visit our website at www.bikerdown.org.