Ray Dewitt Rood

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Raymond “Ray” Rood, 90, who left us on May 24, 2026. In his 90 years, Ray led a fulfilling and blessed life, as he often said those words multiple times in his final years. Ray never met a stranger, and had an amazing gift of gab and humor, that would make anyone he met feel like they were instant friends.

Ray was born in East Orange, NJ on September 5, 1935; the son of Raymond Geddes Rood and Delia Rose Petrillo. Ray was married to his loving wife, Carol Lorraine, for 66 years, until her passing in 2022.

Surviving are his two daughters, Lori McAuley and husband Joe, of Hardeeville, SC and Carol Snyde of Bolivia, NC; two grandsons he adored, Ryan McAuley, and Michael McAuley; several nieces and nephews, and special fur babies very close to his heart, Bentley (Snyde), Westley (McAuley), and Tiger “Lily Rood”.

Ray spent his youth growing up in Newark, NJ. He was involved in Boy Scouts with his father as his troop leader. He taught Sunday School at Roseville Methodist Church where he met the love of his life, Carol.

Ray and Carol moved to Middlesex, NJ, where he raised his family for 18 years; joined the Middlesex Rescue Squad, becoming Captain, and later, a Life Member. Ray was a huge supporter of Middlesex High School sports, where he could always be seen at the Blue Jay football and basketball games and wrestling matches.

Professionally, Ray was a gifted Machinist who moved up the ranks quickly, being promoted to Sales Representative for DoAll, Union, NJ; then becoming Sales Manager for the Hartford, CT location, until retirement brought him to NC where he and Carol finally settled coastal in Southport.

While living in the community of Arbor Creek, he enjoyed the camaraderie of new friends and neighbors; involving himself with his new community life, which evolved into making very special close friends.

In his last year of life, Ray continued to make more special friends in his new community, Middle Creek Village in Bolivia, not far from his prior home. He made fast friends here because of his outgoing and humorous personality. His daughters organized a 90th Surprise Birthday Party where he was so loved by many former and new community friends.

Ray often said how he led a very blessed life…his family and friends are blessed as well, knowing he found comfort in that.

“We’ll always have ‘Alice Pylypyshyn”…

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude, which was very close to his heart. www.stjude.org . Per Ray’s wishes, there will be no service.