Orange City, FL – Raymond Allyn Fletcher, 80, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2017 at Halifax Health Hospice Facility in Orange City. He was born August 1, 1936 in Westfield, Massachusetts to Albert and Ruth Fletcher who preceded him in death. Ray and his family settled in DeLand, Florida and he graduated from DeLand High School in 1954. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1954-1957 as a radar technician on fighter jets. He was proud to be a veteran and he loved his country. Ray attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1961. For most of his career Ray worked in the financial industry for multiple firms and retired as the Branch Manager and Vice President for Investments with Morgan Stanley in DeLand. Family and friends remember Ray as a man with sparkling blue eyes who left people with a positive word. He was a true gentleman and children brought a special smile to his face. He was a die hard Red Sox fan and, according to his son-in-law Robert, Ray was “the best terrible golfer ever.” Ray made 5 holes in one during his golfing career, most of them at DeLand Country Club. Ray was an avid card player and especially enjoyed his Thursday night poker games with his friends of many years.
Ray had New England grit but was a softie at heart. He was creative and precise with numbers and statistics and loved to do projects. He had a passion for history which led him to travel to many breathtaking sites in America and abroad.
To cherish his memory he leaves his wife, Bertha (Stepp) Fletcher, daughter, Tammy Fletcher, DeLand, daughter, Traci (Robert) Bannon of St. Augustine, and a sister-in-law Audrey, of The Villages. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Prince Fletcher. and also by his brother, Albert and sister, Joanne. Ray also leaves his stepson David ( Debra) Stepp. To carry on his love of family and his sense of humor he leaves his six beloved grandchildren- Jake and JOT Gault of DeLand, Stefanie, Megan, Casey and Riley Bannon of St. Augustine. He also leaves extended family and friends of many years.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Lyle Wadsworth and Halifax Health Hospice staff for their kind and compassionate care.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 306 West Wisconsin Avenue, DeLand. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Halifax Health Hospice, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Pt. Orange, FL, 321219 or to Florida Veterans Foundation, The Capitol, 400 S. Monroe Street #2107, Tallahassee, FL, 32399.
