Raymond Artenay Dery II

Raymond Dery, 76, passed away peacefully on Tuesday July 14, 2026 in Gloucester, Virginia. Born in Newport News, Virginia on June 23, 1950, Ray lived most of his life in Yorktown, Virginia before moving to Gloucester in 2018.

Growing up Ray was an Eagle Scout and from a young age worked with his parents, brothers, and sisters on their small farm. The knowledge and skills he acquired in his formative years helped him to become very self-sufficient throughout his life and would be instrumental in shaping his career and hobbies.

He began his career in construction, which included working on the initial construction of Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. During this stage of his career Ray discovered that he had a passion for locksmithing, eventually becoming a master locksmith. He worked as a locksmith at William & Mary while also operating his own locksmithing business, and his expertise in the field eventually led to his work as an architectural design specialist and consultant. In the last few years before his retirement Ray began working as a substitute teacher in the York County school system, a second career in which he found great satisfaction.

Ray was devoted to his family, not simply his wife and children but also to his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and in-laws. He loved to cook and bake, always trying out new recipes and techniques. His love for working in the kitchen was on full display during holidays when he would spend all day cooking large family meals and grilling outside. He was especially fond of the Christmas season, spending weeks each year baking cookies and candies to pass out to dozens of friends, family members and neighbors. He also enjoyed watching movies, particularly westerns, working in his garden, and reading.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey and Raymond Dery Sr., brothers Edward Dery and John Dery and sisters Celina Prutch, Theresa Dery, Joan Dery and Anne Copeland.

Ray leaves behind his beloved wife of 41 years, Patricia Dery, son Jason Dery, daughter Jennifer Scott and her husband Todd, brother David Dery and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Ray is loved by his family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and his presence in their lives will be sorely missed.

The family will receive friends for a Visitation that will be held at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will will be held at Parklawn-Wood Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm.