Ray and his wife were faithful members of Saint Paul Catholic Church, New Bern. A graveside service is planned for Friday, October 29th at 1 p.m., with a reception for family and friends in the church atrium immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint Paul Catholic Church.
Ray was born in Winfield, Alabama on January 11, 1934, to the late Suzie Townley Vickery and William Franklin Vickery. Ray dedicated his professional life to the service of his country, first as a jet engine mechanic for the United States Air Force for twenty-seven years. He served in both the Korea and Vietnam campaigns and was awarded numerous medals and citations and attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.
During an assignment in Europe, he met and married the woman he would love to his last day, Frances Duffy. After retirement from the United States Air Force, Ray continued his passion for aviation by working for an additional thirteen years in a Civil Service position at the Naval Depot, Marine Air Station Cherry Point, NC.
In retirement Ray became an avid golfer and enjoyed his time of friendship and fellowship in the Riverbend Community. He and Frances also enjoyed indulging in their love of friends and travel by visiting lifelong friends in the United States and abroad. One of his greatest joys at this time of his life were his grandchildren and then great-grandchildren, each of whom was blessed with his deep affection for them. As the little ones grew, they joined him in his love of golf, fishing, and cherished family time at the beach.
Ray is survived by his wife, Frances Duffy Vickery; daughter Rosanne Vickery Leahy and her husband Joseph; and son John Franklin Vickery and his wife Ginny. He was also blessed with 6 grandchildren; Kelly Leahy Flanagan (Thomas), Sean Leahy (Kate), and Joseph Leahy (Rebecca), Jacob Vickery (Jasmine), Chelsea and Casey Vickery, and eight great-grandchildren: Patrick, Ashling and Cian Flanagan, Margaret Leahy, Francis, Virginia and Henry Leahy, and Grayson Vickery.
The family expresses their great appreciation for the excellent, compassionate care provided by many healthcare professionals at Home Place of New Bern, CarolinaEast Health System and the North Carolina Veterans Home, Kinston. Additionally the family would like to thank Dr. J. Kenneth Chance for his amazing ability to keep Ray’s vision despite severe glaucoma for forty years and thanks also to Dr. Michael Fujimagari for his care and support of Ray and his family in these difficult later years.
Arrangements are under the care of Cotten Funeral Home.
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