Raymond Earl Atchison (66) of Electric City, Washington, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021 in Wenatchee, Washington, due to complications from a stroke. He was born in Tonasket, Washington February 11, 1955 to the late Sidney Lloyd Atchison and Harriet May (Newman) Atchison.
Ray attended school in Coulee Dam, Washington and spent most of his life in the Coulee area. After high school graduation, he married Joyce Clark, with whom he shared two children: Tammy and Ray Jr. Ray was a gifted carpenter, having worked on construction of the Third Powerplant and with his brothers Ron and Sid in their business, until an injury rendered him unable to continue working.
Although he sustained a severe hearing loss at an early age, Ray amazed his teachers, family and friends with his ability to read lips and even taught himself to play guitar. As a teenager, he especially loved the Beatles song “Let it Be.”
Ray’s love of the outdoors was evident in his passion for fishing, gardening and small engine repair. He had a beautiful, giving nature, and helped anyone in need. His blue eyes always lit up, followed by a grin whenever he saw his children and grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and we shall all miss him so very much.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sidney C. Atchison and sisters Lloydeen Atchison and Vonna Harrison.
Ray is survived by his children: Tammy Catoto and Raymond Atchison Jr., as well as grandchildren Jolene Lopez (Jorge), Hernan Garcia-Atchison, Emiliano Garcia-Atchison, Caleb Garcia-Atchison, Adriana Garcia-Atchison, Chris Atchison, Jazmyn Allen, Kobe Atchison, Marissa Atchison, River Munson-Atchison, and stepdaughter Joyce Aguilar. Great-grandchildren; Madicella and Isabella Lopez, Franklin Lloyd Garcia-Sparks and Christina Atchison.
Other surviving family include his siblings: Ronald Atchison, Kyrstine Rose, Edna Hauser and Rosalee Cooper; many nieces and nephews, cousins, lifelong friend Guy Pugh and our beloved family matriarch Aunt Lorraine Green.
A private service will be held at Strate Funeral Home in Grand Coulee with Pastor Lee Hitchcock officiating.
Graveside services will be in Tonasket with Reverend Marilyn Wilder officiating.
Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington is assisting Raymond’s family.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com.
