Raymond D. Wilhoit Sr. entered into eternal rest on Friday June 8, 2018 at the age of 83. He was born on May 3, 1935 in Lexington, Kentucky. Raymond was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, where he had a fruitful career receiving many awards and commendations for his service. Decorations earned during his service are Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation medal with Third Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal (Sixth Award), Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Unit) (Vietnamese Award), National Defense Service Medal, Expert Badge (M-16), and two overseas service bars. His military career took him to many places including Kentucky, Germany, Vietnam, Georgia, Korea, Virginia, and Texas, where he made his home after retiring in 1979. Raymond went on to work for Kelly Air Force Base in civil service for 14 years. During this time, he attended St. Mary’s University, earning his associates degree in electronics.
He enjoyed fishing with his wife and children and cooking for friends and family. He was best known for his brisket, fajitas, and oatmeal cookies.
Raymond is proceeded in death by father Lloyd D. Wilhoit, mother Grace G. Wilhoit, sister Christine Wilhoit Rust, and Granddaughter Jennifer Rose Pate. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years Frankie Poe Wilhoit, daughter Martha Luann Phillips and spouse Dale Phillips, grandson Michael McKay and spouse Jennifer McKay with one on the way, grandson Joseph Rozier, daughter Tammy Sue Sanchez and spouse Tony Sanchez, granddaughter, Jennifer Hagar, great-granddaughter, Evalee Jacobo and grandson Joseph Mitchell and spouse Rochelle Mitchell with two on the way, grandson David Mitchell, great-granddaughters Alexis and Haley Mitchell, son Raymond D. Wilhoit Jr., grandson Raymond Lopez and spouse Wendy Lopez, great-granddaughters Amelia and Emma Lopez, granddaughter Katrina Garza and spouse Paul Garza, grandson Tony Wilhoit, granddaughter Kayla Farley and spouse Mark Farley, great-grandchildren Ilyana and Nolan Farley, daughter Tina Wilhoit Pate and spouse Larry Pate, granddaughter Samantha Pate, granddaughter Amanda Perez and spouse Christian Perez.
His kind heart and charitable nature will forever be remembered by all.
