Raymond Bonilla

Born in San Antonio, Texas to Adrian and Otilia Bonilla in 1932, Ray moved with his family to East Chicago, Indiana at a young age as his father sought better employment opportunities in the steel industry. Ray graduated from high school in East Chicago.

Ray served his country proudly for more than 50 years. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in high school and was immediately called to active duty upon graduation. He served in the Marines from 1949 until 1952, and then served in the United States Air Force until 1981. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after 31 years of honorable service. Following his military career he completed 20 years of civil service with the US Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe and Fort Eustis.

Ray found his calling in the USAF. He took his job and his duty seriously, and pushed everyone around him to give their very best in service of our country. He began his USAF career at Lowry AFB technical school and the 431 Fighter Intercept Squadron at Selfridge Airfield in Mt. Clemens, Michigan and then transferred to Langley Air Force Base, VA. While at Langley, he met Nancy Leigh Granger from Richmond and the striking young couple soon decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

After Langley, Ray's duties took him around the world, from Orlando Air Base in Florida to Sembach Air Base Germany to Cannon AFB New Mexico and on to Clark AB in the Philippines and other areas of Southeast Asia. Additional tours of duty included: Kadena AB Okinawa; Kunsan AB Korea; Homestead AFB Florida; Ubon, Thailand; Osan AB Korea; Eglin AFB Florida; Torrejon AFB, Spain; back to Homestead AFB, and finally to Langley AFB as the 1st Fighter Wing Senior Advisor at the end of his USAF career.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy, and three sons: Raymond, Jr. (Michelle) of Austin Texas; Terry (Sandy) of Grafton; and Kevin (Tamberlee) of Tabb, VA. Tragically, he was preceded in death by daughter Michele, who passed in 2012. Ray is also survived by Michele's partner Brian Harmon and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved dearly: Brittany White (Andrew, Adalynn & Cooper), Nicholas Bonilla, Sofia & Grace Bonilla, RyLeigh Harmon, Brady Bonilla, Cassandra Neely (Alex, Kylee, Lincoln & Maddox), Jacob Harrison (La'Quita & Knox), Jessica Foy (Josh & Emaline).

Ray loved his country and was incredibly proud to serve. He loved Nancy Leigh, and always realized that he outkicked his coverage when he convinced her to marry him in 1958. Ray loved to play golf, and enjoyed his regular game with his buddies at Deer Run, the Hamptons and Langley. Ray loved the Dallas Cowboys, and quite possibly may own more Cowboys jerseys, shirts and caps than any other person on the planet.

Last but certainly not least, Ray loved his family - not just his wife, sons and grandchildren but siblings, nieces, nephews and numerous close friends who became "adopted" family members. Ray worked to bring the Bonilla and Granger families together as often as possible, and nothing made him happier than a big family gathering. It's impossible to express how much we will miss him at the next BBQ, the next birthday party, the next celebration.

We love you Ray. We love you Dad. We love you Pee Paw.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, August 21, 2017 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home with full honors rendered by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the funeral home. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Donate Life America in support of organ transplants, www.donatelife.net

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.