Born July 26, 1932, in Winston-Salem, he is preceded in death by his parents, Kelen and Vera Snyder Hege of Winston-Salem; and sister, Nancy Paar (John) of Raleigh.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Shuler Hege; daughters Robin Newland (Barry) of Glen Allen, VA, and Lisa Watson (Robbie) of Mechanicsville; sisters, Elsie Kinney (Dan) and Edith Crook (Edward) of Winston-Salem; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond served with the US Army signal corps during the Korean War and graduated from Brevard College and NC State. An industrial arts teaching job at the newly-opened Henrico High School led him to Richmond in 1963. Following his retirement from teaching he was a rural mail carrier and painter before settling in and perfecting the fine art of “piddling around” his woodshop and garages. Projects were always on his workbench.
A quiet, resourceful, and resilient man, he enjoyed reading, listening to southern gospel music, and watching Tom & Jerry.
Along with his family, a constant throughout his life was his love of gardening. Whether vegetables, fruit, or flowers, he found great joy in both the tending and the harvest. Straight, weed-free, rows were his hallmark and he loved sharing the bounty with others.
The family thanks the numerous home healthcare, hospital, and nursing home workers who helped make the most of his final year. Per Raymond’s request, his ashes will be scattered upon his beloved garden in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church or Hanover Humane Society. There’s no doubt Raymond has found his beloved animal companions over the “Rainbow Bridge” and is tending “God’s Garden” with nimble fingers and strong legs.
