Columbus, OH — Raymond Tom “Tommy” Paver, 70, of Ashville, Ohio, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, following a short illness. He was born on November 2, 1955, in Marysville, Ohio, to the late Ray Paver Sr. and Joan Paver.
Paver’s life in harness racing began early; as a high schooler, he worked alongside his father, Ray Sr., developing the passion that would define his life. Before returning fully to racing, he spent time far from Ohio—working as a tugboat painter in Florida and later as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas. Ultimately, he returned home to Ohio to help his father, stepping fully into the world of harness racing.
Licensed in 1971 at Pompano Park, Paver went on to enjoy a distinguished five-decade career as a driver, trainer and owner in harness racing. He amassed more than 4,000 wins as a driver, achieving his milestone 4,000th victory on August 23, 2017, at the Monroe County Fair in Woodsfield, Ohio. As a trainer, he recorded over 800 career wins, earning the respect of horsemen statewide and throughout the region. In 1991, he was honored as the Ohio Sire Stakes Driving Champion.
While based primarily in Ohio, Paver also competed across Pennsylvania, Florida, Canada, New York, Kentucky, and Indiana. During his long career, he was associated with numerous notable horses, including Speed Bomb, War Boots, Whotookwhat, Spring Break, Trick Man, Shesasmokinlady, Kate’s Massive, Chinese Checkers, and Starthimup.
Paver is survived by his longtime companion, Angie Ogden; his sons, Chris (Janesa) and Jack; his daughter, Grace; and his brother, Doug (Terri).
A memorial service will be held at a later date.