Raymond S. Avilez Sr.

Ray was born in Hanford, CA on July 8th, 1932 to Helen and Jerome. Ray passed away on December 17th, 2011 in Fresno, CA at the age of 79. He was known as Ray to his friends and Pop to his children and grandchildren.

Raymond and Rose were married for fifty-two years and had just celebrated their anniversary on November 17th. They raised their family in Fresno where he had lived for forty-seven years. Ray was an avid fisherman that loved the outdoors and enjoyed watching professional boxing. He loved to tinker in his garage, there was nothing he couldn't fix and was a great mechanic. Ray was also an usher at St. John's Cathedral for a number of years.

After retiring from working as a commercial landscaper for over 40 years, he spent his remaining days caring for his dogs and tending to his garden. Ray was a loving husband, brother, a good father, a caring grandfather, and a great friend. He had a story for every occasion and a smile for everyone. His sense of humor and generosity will be deeply missed. Ray will always be remembered and forever loved.

He is survived by his wife Rose, his sons Christopher and his wife Tisha; Fernando and his wife Phila; Jerome, Raymond Jr., Theodore, and Charles. He also leaves behind twenty-two grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and numerous friends and relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. John Cathedral, Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 10:30 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.