Raymond Lee Hartis

Raymond Lee Hartis, 74, died Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Conway Medical Center with his family by his side. Raymond was born August 2, 1936 in Mecklenburg County to Raymond Elmore and Macie Lee Newell Hartis. He was raised in a rural Christian family with his two brothers and five sisters. He attended Indian Trail High School and was drafted into the US Army in 1959 where he served as a tank technician. Raymond married the love of his life Gwen Sustar on June 25, 1960 at Sardis Baptist Church in Indian Trail NC and they lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky until he completed his military service in February 1962 at which time they returned home to Indian Trail. He found employment with North Carolina Equipment Company in Charlotte NC where he worked his way up through the company service department into the parts department and then into the sales department where he was known as an extraordinary salesman. Raymond received many awards and much recognition while serving in that capacity. He retired in 1999. His hobbies included landscaping and grading, restoring classic cars, trucks, tractors and construction equipment. He enjoyed travel throughout his life with family and close friends. Raymond also enjoyed attending all church services and is known for his generosity and leadership at Sardis. He also enjoyed quiet trips with his wife Gwen to the beach. Raymond served as a Trustee and Deacon at Sardis Baptist Church. Raymond Lee Hartis lived his life, loved his wife and family and served his Lord Jesus Christ through his church as an example to all of us. Visitation will be Friday, November 19, 2010 from six until eight PM. at the McEwen Funeral Home in Monroe. Services to celebrate the life of Raymond will be 2:00 PM Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Sardis Baptist Church, with his Pastor Reverend Ken Hucks officiating, interment will follow in the church cemetery. Survivors include his wife: Gwen Sustar Hartis of the home, one daughter: Dawn Hartis Davis and husband Scott of Indian Trail NC, one son: David Ray Hartis and wife Cindy of Monroe NC, seven grandchildren: Caleb Hartis, Jacob Hartis, Stephen Hartis, Erin Davis, Carrie Davis, Stephie Davis and Trent Davis, two brothers: Reid Hartis and wife Patricia of Marshville NC, Larry James Hartis and wife Mitzie of Indian Trail NC, five sisters: Agnes Williams and husband Payne, Willie Ruth Price, Rachel Crump, Barbara Cochran all of Indian Trail NC, Linda Rape of Pageland SC. McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is serving the family of Mr. Hartis.