William Fillman

Ray was a good guy despite the black leather jacket and "hood" demeanor!  He had contacts all over the city, you never knew where you were going to end up when you headed out with Ray.  One night we had some beer and Ray recommended we go to drink under the McKinlley Bridge, on the dreaded North Side.  After a short time St Louis' finest showed up and caught us red handed.  After confiscating our beer and adding it to the vast collection in their patrol car they offered us beers.  I said no, of course Ray said yes, popped the beer and chugged.  The cops laughed as they told us they could now bust us for drinking in public in addition to possession! Once agin my Dad's job as a STL Firefighter came in handy and we were let go with a warning...telling us how stupid we were to be under that bridge.   In total contrast, another time we ened up in one of those giant homes on the north side of Forest Park, where the third story was a full size ballroom, with a live band on stage, and all you could drink!  Where did he meet these people...You may remember Ray worked at the Kentucky Fried Chicken on South Grand...for those of you who ate there I won't tell you what Ray did to the mashed potatoes!  ,