Raymond Vernon McGraw

Raymond V. (Ray) McGraw, age 94, passed peacefully of natural causes at his home in Arden Hills on Dec 5, 2010 surrounded by loving family. Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Frieda McGraw and their five children: Karla A. Williams, Dennis R. McGraw, Linda Lash, Tom McGraw, Joseph McGraw and wife Julie. Ray and Frieda McGraw were blessed with 10 grandchildren: Allyson, Dawn, Denice, Troy, Mark, Lindsey, Jason, Jaime, Hannah and Isabelle as well as 9 great grandchildren: Garret, Maddy, Abby, Austin, Danny, Marina, Alexa, Lucas and Bo.

Born on Sept 19, 1916 in North Minneapolis into a family of 4 children, Ray grew up on farms in Wisconsin before moving back to the Twin Cities as a teenager. Ray was preceded in death by his twin sister Rose, and his two brothers, John and Don McGraw.

Ray had a long and successful career in the automotive industry beginning in 1942. He rose through the ranks at Minar Ford, Midway Ford, South Side Ford in Chicago, and GMC Harvey McGee. Between 1969-1984 he was Service Manager for Boyer Trucks, contributing greatly to the growth of a new Ford Truck Center. He was awarded many distinctions for his leadership on national associations and on Ford advisory committees. He produced a training film to promote best customer practice for the industry.

Following his retirement in 1984, Ray remained active with multiple pursuits. His wood-working hobby turned into a small business producing hand-crafted furniture, including a prized roll-top desk. As a long-time resident of St. Anthony Village and Arden Hills, he was a tireless volunteer for city planning councils and taskforces, strongly advocating for economic development. In 1994, he began registering patents for his many inventions, including a self-leveling paint can and ladder accessories. Throughout his retirement years, Ray helped Frieda create a picturesque garden, which was recently featured in the NorthernGardener.

In addition to his own family, Ray was “adopted” into the Dusl Family as an official “brother” to his wife’s sever brothers and sisters, in recognition of how he open his house to their families. The McGraw Family is especially grateful to Dorothy Dusl, who served as Ray’s full time caring nurse, during his last month of life and to Dr. Robert Kinsbury for his dedication to Ray's care.

Ray had strong faith in the Lord, made family his most important endeavor, contributed immensely to the communities he lived in, and was admired by those who worked with/for him. He will be greatly missed by all, but most especially by his loving wife Frieda and their three generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation 4-7PM Thursday and 1 hr. prior to the service. Funeral Service 12:30PM FRIDAY, all will be held at Sunset Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd.NE, Mpls.

www.sunsetfuneralservice.com

SUNSET 612-789-3596

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Funeral Chapel, Minneapolis, MN.