Raymond Charles Diaz, of San Leandro, ascended to Heaven suddenly on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at age 80. Ray was born on December 2, 1932 to Emencio and Mary Diaz at their home in San Leandro. A native of San Leandro, Ray attended Laney Trade School and worked for 38 years at Umphreds Furniture in San Leandro. He was a Korean War Veteran serving in the Navy from 1952 to 1956 on the Aircraft Carrier USS Shangri-La. Ray married Margie Ruth Wilson in 1957. He was gregarious, a storyteller and a friend to all, constantly visiting the neighbors and lending a hand whenever needed. He was preceded in death by his daughter Joann Smith and his sister Mary Alcalde (Mal). He is survived by his wife Margie of 55 years, his daughter Karen, his sons Allan (Lori) and Loren (Jacqui), nieces Janet and Jackie(Jeff) and grand children Alicia, Christopher, Joseph, Amelia, Marie, Abigail, Annabelle and Juliana. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 12pm-3pm followed by a Service at 3pm, all at San Leandro (Guerrero) Funeral Home, 407 Estudillo Ave., in San Leandro. Papa, we will always keep you in our hearts, because we know we were always in yours. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the San Leandro Education Foundation, P.O. Box 3820, San Leandro, CA 94578.
