Col. Raymond Edward Thayer, USA (Ret.), 97, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Martin Thayer; daughters, Janey Martin Thayer and Anne Hammond Thayer; and sisters, Mignon Thayer Upchurch and Karen Thayer Sarff.
Raymond retired from the U.S. Army and American Red Cross following a long and dedicated career that included service during WWII, and both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. For his service, he received several awards and accommodations, including the Legion of Merit (1 OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Senior Parachutist Badge.
After earning his B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy, Raymond received his M.S. in Physics from the University of Virginia. He also attended the U.S. Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.
Raymond was a member of Sigma XI of Virginia, the Men’s Club of Williamsburg Landing, All Saints’ Church Vestry in Rehoboth, DE, and Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Williamsburg, VA. He was an avid tennis player and swimmer, and involved in multiple charitable organizations, including tutoring disadvantaged children.
He is survived by his sister, Joanna Ross; his sons, CAPT Richard Thayer, USN (Ret.) and wife, Laura, and Captain Brendan Thayer; daughters, Susan Thayer and Sarah Love and husband, James; grandchildren, Alison Kennedy, Ian Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy, Haley Thayer, Lindsay Thayer, Catherine Thayer, and Genevieve Love.
Services with military honors will take place at the Arlington National Cemetery Post Chapel on March 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM.
Memorial contributions may be made in Raymond’s honor to the West Point Association of Graduates (westpointaog.org), the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), or Bruton Parish Episcopal Church (brutonparish.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
