Raymond Allen Rogers

April 19, 1947 – September 19, 2026

Raymond Allen “Ray” Rogers, 79, passed away on September 19, 2026, in Redding, California.

Ray was a proud U.S. Army veteran whose military service began with the Army National Guard in 1965 and continued with many years of active-duty service in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam from March 1970 to February 1971 and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. A member of the Army’s Engineer Branch, Ray worked in construction and engineering equipment operations and repair. His military record reflects more than seventeen years between his initial National Guard service and his final honorable discharge from the Army in December 1982, including numerous decorations for his service.

His service remained an important part of who he was throughout his life, and the Vietnam veteran ball cap he so often wore became a familiar sight to those who knew him. His family honors his service to our nation and recognizes that his experiences, particularly those of Vietnam, stayed with him throughout his life.

Ray was a father of five. In 2013, he traveled to Germany to reunite with his sons Danny and Chris and spend time with their families after many years apart. Photographs from that visit show one of the happiest times of his life, including one treasured picture of Ray making a wonderfully silly face for the camera.

He was Dad to Kate, whom he adopted and raised as his own. Their bond grew through the everyday things that make someone Dad: memories, conversations, laughter, advice, and love. Ray was also a proud grandfather, a role that brought him great joy.

Ray shared nearly twenty years with his wife, Lynn, before her passing in 2017.

His last seven years were spent with Vicki, his high school sweetheart from McCloud, California. After nearly fifty years apart, they found each other again through Facebook and were given an unexpected second chance at love. Ray and Vicki treasured those gifted years, sharing travel, laughter, family, and the simple joys of everyday life. Vicki remained beside him during his final days.

His life held joy and hardship, distance and reunion. Those who knew him will remember his gentlemanly nature and the respect he showed others.

Ray’s remains will be laid to rest with military honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Ohio, beside Lynn, on November 9, 2026.

Rest easy, Ray. You were loved, and you will be remembered.