Ronald M. Ray of Sebastian, Florida, died on 1/7/24 after a brief battle with Cancer. He was born in 1946 to Norma Jean Fisher Ray and Robert M. Ray in Alliance Ohio.
Ron became a big brother to three sisters born to his mother and stepfather after she was re-married to Wilbur (Webb) Newman; Lee A Hartman (aka Diane Newman) of Homer AK, Henrietta Newman of Deerfield Beach, FL and Tanya Newman Scroggs of Asheville, NC.
After graduating from Alliance High School, where one highlight was performing with his trumpet in the HS marching band at the Florida Orange Bowl and a very brief stint at Kent State University, he joined the Army and received specialized training in electronics in El Paso, TX, and served in Germany.
He began his career after the Army at Arnst Motors where he continued to work for over 40 years as a mechanic. He lived in the Fort Lauderdale / Oakland Park area before moving to Sebastian in 2015.
He was briefly married to Jeri Broan, and they remained good friends throughout his life.
He shared many years of his life with his talkative and noisy parrot named Gandalf, who was taught to whistle at the most appropriate times.
Beginning in 1995, Ron was dedicated to the United States Power Squadrons of Pompano Beach and Sebastian, Florida, where he proudly held many positions, including Commander, Administrative officer, Squadron Educational officer, and District Educational officer.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, boating, canoeing, astronomy, competitive marksmanship, card playing, and spending time with friends. He often hosted great meals for his neighbors and friends and enjoyed sharing his political views and great jokes and thoughts on social media.
The family thanks his many friends and neighbors, as well as the VNA Hospice group, for supporting and caring for him until his death. He was a generous man and a good friend to so many. He maintained his sharp tongue, sense of humor, and quick wit even in his last days.
Arrangements are under the direction of Millennium Cremation Service. Condolences may be shared online at www.millenniumcremationservice.com. Any stories of times spent with Ron and memories that come to mind are welcome.
He will be laid to rest with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.
We will be having a potluck lunch where we will raise a drink, have some food, and tell some stories in celebration of Ron’s well-lived life on Saturday, February 3rd, at the Elks Lodge at 731 S Fleming St. Sebastian, FL, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
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