The news came from his retirement home, the Mayflower, which helped him get over 1,000 birthday cards for his May 5 birthday.
"With great sadness and a heavy heart today we lost a hero, Ray Painter. As I think back on the memories of Ray I almost have to chuckle. He was a comedian. As we celebrated his 100th birthday with the world, he loved every minute of it. He often said 'I'm famous'. Ray you will forever hold a place in so many hearts . Fly high."
According to WSLS-TV, Painter originally asked for 100 cards in a viral Facebook post shared earlier this year by his retirement home, the Mayflower.
In the April 15 post, Painter is pictured holding a sign that reads: "Hi! My name is Ray Painter. I'm a WWII veteran turning 100 on May 5, 2019. I would like to be sent 100 cards!!"
He got his wish and then some. Painter received over 7,500 birthday cards, according to WSLS.
"It's still hard to believe that I've got that many cards," Painter told WSLS.
He told the news station that he was thrilled to receive the cards but wishes he could share them with his late wife.
"I think about her every day," he said. "I know she'd be happy, too."
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