Chief Petty Officer, Raymond Lee Darby U.S. Navy, Retired

Raymond Lee Darby, age 78, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2020. He was born July 30, 1941 at Hillside Hospital in Klamath Falls, Oregon to his parents Raymond John Darby and Dorothy Marie (Kruger) Darby. Ray graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach, California.

In the early, 60's, Raymond Enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Little did he know at the time that it would be the beginning of a long distinguished career. Ray served honorably in Vietnam, and post war, he was stationed in places like Spain, Virginia, Illinois, and California; circling the earth on aircraft carriers, destroyers and a submarine. Ray received Certifications from Naval Technical School, Electricians Class, A, B, C, Submarine School, Minesweeping systems, and Amphibious counterinsurgency training. While remaining in the top 5% of all his evaluations throughout his career, he also received multiple letters of Commendation. Ray retired from the U.S. Navy August 6, 1980 as a Chief Petty Officer.

While serving in the U.S. Navy, Ray would meet his soulmate and best friend, Virginia P. Darby. The couple married November 19, 1966, and would begin a wonderful life-journey that would span over 53 years; they were blessed with two children. The couple would relocate to Nevada in 1994.

Raymond loved everything about the old west. He enjoyed watching his favorite movie "Tombstone", westerns, and stories about cowboys; visiting Buffalo Bills, Annie Oakley graves, and even traveled to Little Big Horn. He was also involved in Competitive Cowboy Shooting, and was a Senior Olympics Shooting Champion; earning many medals.

Raymond was a loving, husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed his spending time with his family and woodworking - where he made many various pieces of furniture. He was also an avid clock enthusiast and collector, and a Chicago Bears football fan.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Kruger and Raymond John Darby. He is survived by wife, Virginia P. Darby; son, Raymond Todd Darby; and daughter, Susan Jean (Darby) Cunningham; and four grandchildren.

Due to the COVID-19 and government restrictions, Raymond Lee Darby will be laid to rest privately with his family at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where he will be honored for his service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmboulderhighway.com for the Darby family.