Raymond Koop Ferwerda

Raymond Koop Ferwerda, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2024 in Tampa, Florida; 11 days after celebrating his 92nd birthday. Ray lived a life filled with love, fun, dedication and service to his family, country, community, and company. He died as he lived – on his own terms.

Ray was born on June 3rd,1932 in Cleveland, Ohio to Sophia and Koop Ferwerda. The family moved to Georgia where Ray attended high school at the Georgia Military Academy. He excelled academically and athletically, lettering in football, baseball, basketball and swimming. He went to Auburn University on a football scholarship until he suffered a severe concussion ending his football aspirations. Instead, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp attaining the rank of Captain as a pilot during the Korean War. Ray was Squadron Commander with many brave men in his charge who would continue to look to him for leadership and a model of how to live a good and honorable life even beyond the service. These men remained steadfast friends and attended many reunions together for years to follow. After the military, Ray returned to college, graduating from the University of Miami in 1958.

Ray met and married the love of his life, Maureen Ruth Battle, in Miami in 1960. That same year they moved to Tampa, FL, where he volunteered through the JayCee’s and then The Rotary Club, while founding Great Southern Equipment Company. Through his commonsense business smarts, expertise, dedication and leadership, he grew GSE into a respected and prosperous enterprise, which he proudly handed down to his son. His enthusiasm and passion for business led him on many additional entrepreneurial endeavors throughout the years but GSE was always his pride and joy.

Ray and Maureen started their family in 1963 with the birth of their son, Ray Jr, followed by daughters Lori and Debbie. Family was always a focal point for Ray. He loved family outings to the beach, pool, camping, and volleyball almost every weekend. He shared his love of sports and travel with multiple trips each year including the annual ski trips to the Rockies. He strived to instill his values, faith and zest for life in each of his kids. He was an amazing provider and protector of his family his entire life.

Ray had a weekly routine from which he never varied: Thursday was “boy’s night”- happy hour with friends, Friday was date night with Mo, Saturday was always “Boating with Captain Ray and Friends”, and Sunday was Family Day. The past 15 years included his dedicated attendance at South Tampa Fellowship Church (Ballast Point).

Boating was one of Ray’s passions. He owned a 40 foot Sea Ray and Gasparilla was the event of the year. Ray’s extraordinary captain skills were always on display and in the words of long-time friend and fellow Captain Jeff Dinan: “I was in awe of his extreme control of the boat moving between both the waves and other boaters often navigating within inches of one another. He never broke a sweat and would say that “it’s easier than landing a plane on a moving ship!”

In the early 80s, Ray and Maureen both became enthusiastic about the Florida State Seminoles football team. All three children attended FSU which was more than enough of an excuse to travel to nearly every single game including all of the away games, even after all had graduated. Ray loved sitting among the often crazy student fans, participating in the war chant, the FSU chop, and any other wild cheer. Even after they no longer attended games in person, he never missed one on TV and even rewatched many old games during the off-season.

Ray worked hard, played harder, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to literally anyone in need and he was an expert in demonstrating what having a good time meant. He always focused on fun and laughter, and he was witty with a great sense of humor. He never met a stranger.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen; his children, Ray Jr, Lori DiBenedetto and her life partner Dennis DiNoia, Debbie Whiteman and son-in-law Roger Whiteman; his grandchildren, Rachel DiBenedetto, Jack, Gracie, Ava, Greta and Julia Ferwerda; and so many cherished friends and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Koop and Sophia Ferwerda, his twin sisters Alice and Sophia, brother Fred, and again, many cherished friends and extended family members.

Ray had a wonderful, long life and he truly left this world a better place. His kindness, fun and generosity touched the lives of a great many. His legacy will be long remembered by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held on June 26, 2024, at Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa, Florida, from 5 – 8pm, service at 6. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ray’s memory to Lifepath Hospice at https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/lifepathhospice-donation/ . Please designate “Melech Hospice House”.