Raymond Edward Staton Sr.

Raymond was born on December 3, 1944 in Newport News, Va., the son of Raymond and Mary Nelms Staton.

He graduated from Newport News High School, Class of 1964 and ran track for the Typhoons under Coach Julie Conn. According to his flag twirler sisters, Raymond was the best Drum Major ever for the Typhoon Marching Band. He then enlisted into the US Marine Corp Reserves for six years. He was employed at the Newport News Shipyard for 40 years before retiring as a Master Shipbuilder in 2005. Raymond then worked part-time at Nelsen Funeral Home for 10 years before moving into his residence at Colonial Heritage, Williamsburg. He was a member of the Williamsburg Host Lions for over 10 years and served two years as president.

Raymond, better known as “Ray of Sunshine” during retirement, will be remembered for his outgoing personality, his love of people, and as "The Man who never knew a stranger." He lived a very full life with his wife, Karen, taking many cruises, traveling to many places, attending their community social events, and years of family reunions at OBX. He cherished the time he spent with his family, friends and especially being with his grandchildren.

Ray was predeceased by his sisters, Jane Courtney Young, Marie R. Privette, Patricia Y. Mesic; brothers, Arthur Bransford, James T. Letts and Harry F. Letts Jr.; as well as his brothers-in-law, Steve Privette, Steve Thomas and R.M. Mesic Jr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Karen; his son, Raymond E. Staton Jr. (Breea); daughters, Stephanie L. Staton, Angela J. Morath (David); and four grandchildren, Jayden E. Darrin, Bailey B. Staton, Kensley M. Fleshman and Kayla Ray Fleshman. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Fallin (Warren), Nancy Thomas, Mary Lou Hudson (Garland), as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg on Friday, July 29 at 11:00 AM. The family invites you to join them for a reception at the Colonial Heritage Clubhouse at 1:00 PM. Burial will be private at Peninsula Memorial Park the following day.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the ALS Association at 8100 Three Chopt Rd, Suite 147, Richmond, VA 23229 or Amedisys Hospice in Williamsburg, VA. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.