Raymond William Holloway

Ray was born on February 11th, 1932, in Kansas City, MO to Elmer Richard and Essie Mae Holloway. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1950. Ray was a multi-sport athlete known as “Mo” by his classmates. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the Navy and served four years during the Korean War. After returning from service, he was employed by the US Postal Service in Kansas City. It wasn’t long until Ray met the love of his life, Eunice and the two were married in 1957. After six years of marriage, they had two children, Jeffrey and Philip. In the early 1960’s they started a small business in the swimming pool industry, and were business owners together for many years, retiring in 1997. He was a talented, successful small business owner for over 35 years at Leisure World Pools in North Kansas City.

Ray liked to tell the story that on his second date with Eunice, she told him that going to church every Sunday would not be optional if they were to get married. He lived up to that requirement and ultimately became a leader in their church and was a dedicated member of the Nashua Church of Christ for over 50 years. Ray and Eunice were married for 67 years and were rarely apart for the entirety of their marriage. They ran a business, raised kids, chased grandkids, traveled across the US, and were active in their church community.

During his work life he was solely devoted to his church, family, and business. After retiring, he began playing golf and their travel picked up dramatically. Additionally, grandkids became a huge focus for them. They hosted many family dinners and never missed a sporting event or concert. Always the proud grandfather, Ray shared the latest life events and accomplishments of his grandkids with anyone who would listen.

Ray was a master teaser, kidder, and storyteller. Often his audience had no idea if he was serious or not until he started to smile. No one was exempt – family, customers, friends, strangers, and even his hospice nurses the last few months of his life. He could also quickly switch from teasing to serious in the same conversation. Around Ray, you received a balance of banter, advice, and many stories about his life and family.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eunice, his parents, 5 brothers, and 4 sisters. Survived by his two sons; Jeffrey (Amy) Holloway and Philip (Kristen) Holloway; his seven grandchildren Tyler (Danielle), Ethan (Heather), Bailey (Luke), Madeline, Bennett (Sally), Ellie, and Katie; his five great grandchildren Jordan, Carter, Hazel, Madison, and Arthur; along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oxford Grand Senior Living for their amazing care of both Ray and Eunice for the last 6 years. Also, Advanced Hospice for their extraordinary, compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE ANTIOCH RD, GLADSTONE, MO 64119, on Thursday, June 25, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial Service at the same location at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at 2:30 pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048.