Raymond Milton Hulcher Jr.

Raymond Milton Hulcher, Jr—known best to family and friends as “George”—died at the age of 85 on Saturday, July 27 2024 in Orlando, FL, his home of almost 30 years. He was a loving and dutiful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will forever remain an inspiration to the many people he impacted during his life, which was by all accounts a life well lived.

George was born in Hampton, VA on October 8, 1938 to Raymond Hulcher, Sr and Constance Hulcher of Babylon, Long Island, NY. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1957 and soon after made his way to New York to seek employment, a move which would lead him to a career in television broadcasting.

George was, rightfully so, proud of his nearly 40-year career as an award-winning television news producer, writer and journalist—a career that began in the early 1960s sweeping floors and manning cameras. He had a front-row seat to witness many firsts, including the conversion from black-and-white to color television. Much of what he and his colleagues accomplished in those days would clear the path for countless industry innovations. Over the years his creativity and strong work ethic influenced several local television markets including Richmond, VA, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, and Louisville, KY. His many notable accomplishments include Peabody Award-winning documentaries such as “Overture to Friendship” in 1973 about President Nixon’s groundbreaking visit to China in 1972. He would go on to earn three regional Emmy Awards and many other peer honors for various programming. George embraced the process of researching and interviewing people for stories. As he once put it, “I really like learning stuff.”

As proud as George was of his impressive television career, he often said the best job he ever had was as a cast member at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom—a job he took after retiring from television. He was the Conductor on Walt Disney World’s Steam Train for 11 years, a role that allowed him to take full advantage of his creativity. He was also a behind-the-scenes tour guide and enjoyed sharing Walt Disney’s legacy with wide-eyed children and their families. Ever the humorist, he couldn’t resist incorporating Henny Youngman jokes into the tour script. His “dad jokes” are the stuff of legends and, for better or worse, will be carried on by his family with gusto.

George is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Janet Hulcher, his daughter Kim De Palma (Mark De Palma, USMC, retired), his son John Hulcher (Emilie Hulcher), his son Carter Hulcher (Abbe Hulcher), and his brother Gus Hulcher. He is also survived by his three grandchildren—Madison Hulcher Berdusco (Derrick Berdusco), Nash Hulcher, and Sebastian Hulcher.

George was predeceased by his first wife, Ellen Hulcher, and his son, Rick Hulcher.

The family asks that instead of flowers or other memorials, donations be made in his name to the Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation and/or Donate Life America.