William Raphael Semmes

William Raphael (Ray) Semmes, retired Citrus County school teacher, Monday, February 7, 1938 to Tuesday, September 26, 2017, passed away at his home. Mr. Semmes was born in Cullman, Alabama as one of two children of Raphael and Evelyn Semmes. He graduated high school and the first two years of college at St. Bernard Academy. He then went on to get his master’s degree at the University of Alabama.

He married Mary Blevins, had two children and moved to Scottsboro, Alabama, where he was a principal on top of the mountain for thirteen years. In 1977, the family moved to Dunnellon, Florida, where he began teaching at Inverness Middle School. He taught there for twenty seven years. He couldn’t go anywhere in Citrus County, where he wasn’t recognized by someone. He was also, the assistant coach for the middle school football team, ‘The Flashes’, for many years. He divorced in the middle 80’s, then spent the rest of his life with his companion Mrs. Emma Piper. He was a great man, father and grandfather. He will be terribly missed by his family and friends. Mr. Semmes is survived by his companion, Emma Piper; son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Dianne Semmes; daughter, Stefanie Gramlich; niece, Stacy Hamby; stepsons, Jeff and Nick Decker; stepdaughters, Beth Scordato and Sandy Decker; grandchildren, Heather, Corky, Jonathon, Amber, Tracy, Brianna, Jessica, Cote, Jade and Toby and great grandchildren, B.J., Jayda, Somyiai, Adaya, Grant, Jaxson, Logan and Mason.

Visitation, Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon at Fero Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery in Floral City.

Arrangements entrusted

to Fero Funeral Home

www.ferofuneralhome.com