Raymond Hollis Gaylor

COLONEL RAYMOND H. GAYLOR Colonel Raymond H. Gaylor, US Air Force (Ret), 90, (aka “The Col” to his family and friends) passed away peacefully on January 21, 2018 in Fairfax Station, Virginia. He was many things to many people, a patriot, a leader, a loyal friend but to those who knew him best, he was a devoted father who put his family first. Born in 1927 to Roy and Mamie Gayler in Lyerly, Georgia. Ray met and married the love of his life, Ruth Rebecca Wike in 1946. His career started with enlistment in the Army-Air Corps, restoring Germany after WWII. Following a stint at the U.S. Post Office, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. His military service included overseas tours in Spain, Italy, Labrador, and Vietnam. Stateside assignments were in Arkansas, Texas, Nebraska, and finishing up a distinguished career in Washington D.C. serving at the Pentagon and Andrews AFB. Col. Gaylor received many decorations and citations for his services, including: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal. While serving in the Air Force, he went to night school and ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska. He furthered his education by attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Air War College. After retiring in 1979, he expanded his family to include wife Susan Wright, children Adam, Sarah, Paul, and Katie. In addition, he owned and managed Davis General Store in Fairfax Station, Va. for three years. He had a passion for the outdoors, whether golfing in Myrtle Beach, fishing in northern Canada or simply riding around on his tractor cutting grass. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles and Robert Gayler, sister, Nellie Bishop and his loving wives, Ruth Gaylor and Susan Wright. He is survived by his daughter, Jeanne G. Evans (Bill), his sons, Don K. Gaylor (Kathie), Randall D. Gaylor (Tyna), John R. Gaylor (Lyn) and stepson, Paul Wright (Aimee); 9 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, Colonel Gaylor will be buried beside his wife, Ruth, at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a future date.