Raymond Alan Lichtner

Ray embodied God’s values in the world. He loved the Lord and his family. He was humble and gracious —always saying “we are so fortunate.” The question, “How are you?” was always met with “Every day is a good day.” He never said a cross word about anyone, even if one may have been deserved. He put others before himself, was measured in his response in difficult situations, and would quietly reach out to his family, friends, and coworkers in need. He possessed a stubborn streak which also could be a lesson in perseverance as he was usually right! We will miss his wisdom so very much.

Ray was born on January 19, 1949 in Newton, MA, but was raised in Raleigh and always considered himself a Raleigh boy. He was the eldest of five children of Kathleen Edwards and William Otto Lichtner. He began working early to buy his first car, a 1947 Plymouth convertible, and to put himself through college. He mowed grass, delivered the Raleigh Times in Hayes Barton, was a bag boy and cashier at the Colonial grocery in Glenwood Village. He was thrilled to get a college summer job as a National Biscuit Company salesman until he was told his Plymouth was not a dependable car. He reluctantly sold it. He continued to work through college at the NCSU student supply store. He graduated from NC State University in 1972 with a degree in Economics and served as President of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He returned for a second degree in accounting and obtained his CPA License.

He began his career as an analyst in the NC State Budget Office, later becoming the Controller of the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He then began a career with the law firm of Poyner Spruill as Director of Administration and retired in 2014. Ray served for 6 years in the NC National Guard. For many years he was active with Meals on Wheels of Wake County, serving as Treasurer and President of the Board. Ray was an active member of White Memorial Presbyterian Church.

Ray was a planner and no moments in his life were wasted. Telling his family and friends how much he loved them came easy and there was no shortage of love expressed even in his last hours of life. Nothing shined so brightly as his love for his family. He loved dinner and movie dates with Ann Windle and any event that involved his children or grandchildren. Family birthday celebrations were never to be missed. He was a Wolfpack fan through and through, and rarely missed NC State football or basketball games over the years. Travel to over 50 countries was special not only because of the new experiences but the wonderful friendships Ray and Ann developed through the trips. Ray loved house projects and he was an avid reader and movie critic. He loved a good joke and golfing with his friends. A perfect day was spent with family on the water and at the beach at Pine Knoll Shores.

Ray is survived by his wife of 46 years and high school sweet heart, Ann Windle Turner Lichtner and their two daughters, Hanna Lichtner Compton and her husband Jimbo of Raleigh, and Rachael Lichtner Glauber and her husband Jeremy of Belgium. He was blessed beyond measure by his four grandchildren: Christian, Ella, Sellars and Lindsay. He is also survived by his siblings, Jack Lichtner, Betty Zetts (Mike), Bill Lichtner, Ann Haynes (Mike), brother-in-law, Bill Turner (Linda), nieces Sara Nicholson (Christian), Kristin Moriarity, Maggie Zetts, Katie Cornell (William), Mandy Torrence (Brian), and nephews Michael Haynes, Steve Schuster, and Will Turner.

Ray and Ann Windle, following their own parents examples, loved each other so well with faith, patience, devotion, and a sweet lightheartedness. Anyone who knew Ray would say his love for Ann was most memorable. It is this lesson of how to love well that is Ray’s greatest legacy to his children and grandchildren.

Family and friends will praise God for Ray’s 69 years and celebrate his eternal life at a 2 pm Service of Witness to the Resurrection on Wednesday, February 14 at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, followed by visitation in the Jane Bell Gathering Space. A private family gathering will take place in the church’s Memorial Garden prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to White Memorial Presbyterian Church at 1704 Oberlin Road, Raleigh NC 27608. Though his family is saddened, we are better people because of his mark on our lives. All is well, all will be well.