Ray E. Just entered Heaven on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the age of 91. He was greeted by his Lord and Savior and the many friends and family members who had preceded him. Thereís no doubt that itís been a joyous reunion.
Ray is survived by Shirley, his wife and partner of 67 years; two sisters, Vera Ellis and Velma Poole; his four children, Don, Susie, Linda and Jerry, and their spouses, Lauri, Walter, Randy and Patti, along with 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a myriad of friends and family.
Born and raised on a small farm in Wisconsin, his family struggled as did many during the Great Depression, and one of his fondest memories was of his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps, a program designed to allow young men an opportunity to escape the depression and begin a productive life. Nearly 75 years later, the thousands of trees that he and his team planted throughout Northern Wisconsin stand as a tribute to the group he cherished so much.
Ray was a member of the Greatest Generation and served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Coast Guard for six years during World War II as the skipper of a patrol boat seeking to discover German submarines off the coast of the US. He spent his working life as an accomplished commercial painting tradesman and contractor, both in St. Petersburg, Florida and in the Asheville/Hendersonville area, retiring at age 76 and contributing much as a volunteer to those who could not afford his services. He was very active in church activities, most recently as a volunteer greeter at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville.
We celebrate his life as a devoted husband and father who seldom rose his voice in anger, a quiet friend whose willingness to help anyone spoke volumes of his character and integrity and as an example to his family that living an unselfish life with purpose and humility is to live it with love and dignity. And, we all remember him as a man of the soil who gently nursed the earth to produce the most beautiful roses and the most mouthwatering raspberries and blueberries, all midst a landscape that he carefully tended. A man of few words, he possessed a delightful sense of humor, a hearty, sometimes mischievous, laugh and a loving spirit that radiated to all around him.
The family thanks the caring professionals at the Elizabeth House for their sensitive and comforting care during his final days as well as the close friends who attended to many of his needs, along with Shirleyís, during their recent stay at the Life Care Center.
And so, we commend our dear husband, father, grandpa and friend to the Lordís care and look forward to the joyful reunion that will take place when we see him again and join him in Heaven.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, March 17 at Life Care Center of Hendersonville, 400 Thompson Street. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial
12:00 AM
Life Care Center of Hendersonville - Directions
400 Thompson Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
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