Independent retailer Ray Reinhardt passes away

-- Home Textiles Today, 9/29/2009 7:46:00 AM

Ridgeland, Miss. — Ray Reinhardt, founder and owner of Ray’s Bed, Bath & Window here, passed away while on vacation on Aug. 27 at age 72.

Reinhardt opened his first store, World’s Bedspreads & Draperies, in Jackson Mall in Jackson, Miss., in 1972. The current fine linen shop offers a wide range of top brands.

“As our name has evolved so have our product lines,” Reinhardt noted in an interview for the store’s 35^th Anniversary. “We began rather modestly offering a wide assortment of bedspreads and draperies. Over the years, we’ve refined our collection. Longtime customers, visitors from other markets and vendors tell us our showroom and merchandise are as fine as any in the southeastern United States,” he added.

Survivors include his wife, Winnie Kay Reinhardt; children, Christy Adcock, Wendy Herring, Randy Reinhardt and Matthew Reinhardt; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Donations in his memory may be made to Bethany Christian Services, Christ Covenant School or Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church/Moses’ Basket, all in the local community.