Birth date: Mar 16, 1924 Death date: Mar 25, 2019
Ray Earl Poynter died on March 25, 2019 at the age of 95 after a lengthy battle with COPD and a worn out, broken heart from the passing in 2016 of the love of his life, Wanda Jeane Hendrix Poynter. Their love spanned over 70 years Read Obituary
Ray Poynter, The Godfather of the Jumping Mustangs 65-71 was a man of integrity. In our early reunion years Top carried a pocket full of reunion cash at all times, paying all the bills making sure all members were taken care of. A few years later maybe 89-90 I became the quartermaster and helped Top with all the duties involved. So one year at reunion carrying all the sales cash my wife Ginger was doing some laundry, I found all the money tumbling in the dryer and realized that ain't gonna happen again. So here we are some 30 yrs later and owe Top big time. Reunion #1 ...
Ray will be missed. May he rest in peace.
James R. Oden WW ii Korea, VN2
Have known Top since approximately 1981. He was the pillar of the Jumping Mustangs and was instrumental in starting the Jumping Mustangs. Because of him we made so many friends across the U.S. He will always be remembered by us and will have a spot in our hearts. We remember Jeane and could see the love between them. Our deepest condolences to the Poynter family. Will keep you in our prayers.
The Family of Jesse Lopez
The news of "Top" Poynter's passing was passed on to me, by one of the Jumping Mustangs. I would like to point out that in the early 60s "Top" Poynter was my First Sergeant in Company A, 506th Abn Battle Group, 101 Abn Div. At that time, I served under the finest First Sergeant - Company Commander duo that ever existed. Everyone fondly referred to them as the REP (1SG Ray E Poynter) and the JET (Capt. James E Torrance). During my thirty years in the Army, I've experienced First Sergeants, both, as superiors and subordinates; the REP always stood out as one of the best. During my career I encountered many leadership situations and I've often asked myself what would the REP do? I remember, one Sunday I was performing company Charge of Quarters (CQ). An urgent message came in that had to be delivered to the First Sergeant at his quarters, on post. When I arrived at his quarters, "Top" Poynter and his family were having an after church lunch on the patio. He invited me in an introduced me to every member of his family, whom he was immensely proud of. Since I was on duty they fixed plates for me to take back to share with my CQ runner. The last time I saw "Top Poynter, it was some years ago at the Airborne 50th anniversary in Washington, DC. Although it has been long since I've retired, I still try to emulate some of the traits and integrity that "Top" Poynter, the REP possessed. May he rest in peace. May the "Great Ranger" bless and keep all!!
Joe Dailey, SGM USA (Ret)
My first 1SG (1962, Co. A 506 BG, 101st Abn Division); departed together to Vietnam (1965, USNS Geiger). He stood above the rest and I know there will never be another Ray Poynter, but his dedicated Spirit will last with me forever.
Tim and Family what a Precious Friend he was to your 1979 Family...Love you and Laura Buddy...Praying for your Hearts...❤️🙏🏻❤️
Top, I know you are happy now that you are back with your God and Your wife, but allow us left behind to mourn our loss of a tremendous man, soldier, patriot and FRIEND.
Your kind words always made me feel special. I thank you for starting up the Jumping Mustangs chapter as it has helped so many of us from Vietnam that needed understanding and love. You always gave both.May you rest in Peace knowing you left behind so many friends, you truly made a difference with your life. Your Friend
Harvey Auger
