Categories: Death Notices > obituary-notices
Death notice
- September 6, 2024 Spokane - Leaving an adventurous life full of memories, Raymond "Ray" Lee passed away peacefully in his home at 82 years of age. Ray was born in August of 1942 to Raymond and Isabel in Camden, SC. Ray had two younger siblings; sister, Virginia Marie, who preceded him in death, and brother, Michael. After graduating from St. Peter's Catholic School in Westernport, MD in 1960, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his time in service, he deployed to Vietnam as a Forward Air Controller along with assignments in West Germany, South Korea, and various locations in the US. Together with serving in the Air National Guard, including a final assignment with the 105th Tactical Control Squadron, Ray retired after 27 years with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Outside of the military, Ray was a one-time proprietor of the old Buckhorn Inn in Airway Heights, WA and had his own detective agency. In 1992, he was hired by Itron, Inc. where he eventually served as its Chief Security Officer before retiring in 2009. Ray enjoyed working in his yard, watching Gonzaga basketball, staying in his RV at various lakes around Spokane, and generally being outdoors. But most of all he loved being with his family. Ray is survived by his loving wife, Debbie of Spokane, WA; son, Michael of Miami, FL; daughter, Paula LaBelle of Coeur d'Alene, ID; son, Charles Durant of Knoxville, TN; daughters, Anne Jones of Bismarck, ND, Raylene Larralde of Billings, MT, and Jennie Ostler of Pocatello, ID. He is also survived as a beloved Bapa by 14 grandchildren, preceded in death by his granddaughter, Samantha Durant; and over 25 great-grandchildren. Along with family, Ray will also be missed by his many friends who always appreciated his humor and willingness to help, best exemplified by his beloved playing of Santa at various events for numerous holiday seasons. A memorial service for Ray will be held on the 30th of September, starting at 1:30p.m., at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. Ray left an irreplaceable void and will be dearly missed.
