Raymond Edward Yongue

Ray was born on July 21, 1949 to Ralph and Mable Crann Matherly in Sarasota FL. After graduating from Dothan High School in 1967, Ray enlisted in the US Air Force, serving 6 years, including 366 days in Vietnam. He worked as an air traffic controller in the Air Force and, upon his discharge, went on to study and obtain a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science.

After graduation, Ray was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration as a civilian air traffic controller. He later went to work as a revenue officer for Internal Revenue Service, serving 27 years in his second career. Ray often said “I never worked a day in my life” because he loved both jobs so much.

After retiring in 2008, Ray spent his time searching for nautical antiques, following the news, working on various home and yard projects, communicating daily with his online pen pals, Bob Smith in England and Robert Rocher in Panama City FL and mainly enjoying as much time as possible with his wife, Susan, living, loving and laughing until his untimely death.

In addition to being survived by Susan, his loving and devoted wife of 32 years, Ray is survived by his sister-in-law, Cecilia Guy Judd, brother-in-law, Stephen Guy and his wife Grace, much-loved nieces and nephew, Kathleen Marissa Judd, Jessica Matherly-Olin, Jeffrey Matherly and many cousins. Ray was predeceased by his adoptive father, Leighton Yongue, his mother, Mable Crann Yongue and his natural father, Ralph Matherly.

Ray’s family would like thank all of those at St. Joseph’s Hospital South, Palm Gardens of Tampa, Twin Creeks Assisted Living Community and LifePath Hospice Sun City Center who provided the best possible care to Ray during the last 6 weeks of his life. Although there are too many people to mention individually, very special thanks go to CNAs Angela Edwards, Chris Conner and Fadiah Khan, as well as the therapy team, at Palm Gardens of Tampa.

Flowers are very welcome, but donations in Ray’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration would also be greatly appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.StowersFH.com for the Yongue family.