Ray was born the son of Hervey and Edith (Klapp) Lavoie in Pontiac, Michigan on November 18, 1948. He graduated from St. Michael Catholic High School in Pontiac, Michigan, class of 1966. Ray went on to earn an Associates degree from Oakland Community College and a Bachelors degree in business management from University of Phoenix. Ray married Lynette Wade on May 23rd, 1969 at St. Michael Catholic Church and they moved to Rochester to raise their family of five. Ray began his career in the beer distribution industry and, after many years, transitioned into logistic management at Ryder before retiring.
Ray loved God, gardening, and golf (especially the bro’s family tournament). He enjoyed thrifting for his eBay store, good music such as Elvis and Madonna, and had a love for cars - especially his 1965 GTO. Ray was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and would watch every game. He cared deeply for his family and loved to cook delicious turkey and other holiday meals. Ray always had a positive attitude and no matter what the situation, his response was always things are “near perfect.” Ray was generous, lovable, and kind. He was funny, had his own endearing language with his family, and would always do anything to help anyone. Ray (or Pop as some of us lovingly called him) loved spending time with his family, especially a good barbecue with burgermiesters (as he would call them), Foglers corn on the cob and an ice cold Corona.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lynette; children Craig (Shayne) Lavoie, Laura Lavoie, and Lindsey (Daniel) Forshee; grandchildren Jake Wicksall and Brooke Forshee; siblings George (Carol) Lavoie, Hervey (Jennifer) Lavoie, and Robert (Debbie) Lavoie; and many loving nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents; brother Michael Lavoie; and sister Patricia Beutler.
Ray truly was the best husband, father, Pop, brother, son, uncle and friend. He is going to be missed beyond words for the rest of our lives.
Ray’s family will welcome all to a visitation on Wednesday April 24th, 2024 from 3-8pm (Rosary 7pm-8pm) at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 West University Drive in Rochester, Michigan. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday April 25th, 2024 at 11 am(10:30am instate) at St. Andrew Catholic Church, located at 1400 Inglewood Ave, Rochester, Michigan.Interment will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Rochester.
