Ray Fields

William Ray Fields, age 87, died on Thursday evening, February 6, 2020. He was a resident of Melbourne, FL since 1961. He and his wife moved to Brevard County, FL in 1956. Ray was born in East Tallassee, AL where he grew up and went to school. He met Opal in high school and they were married in September 1951. After working in the textile mill, and later moving to South Carolina, Ray joined the Army. When he was discharged, he and Opal moved back to South Carolina for a short time. In January 1956, he and Opal moved to Brevard County where they both began working for Pan Am at Patrick Airforce Base, Satellite Beach, FL. Ray worked in the accounting department for 32 years for Pan Am and then his last 8 years of employment were with CSR.

Ray is survived by his wife, Opal, of 68 years of marriage. Ray and Opal have one daughter, Tina Fields Reyes (Sergio), four granddaughters: Cynthia (Adam), Candace (Mike), Courtenay (Michael), and Audra (Joshua), eight grandchildren: Alexa, Christopher, Mia, David, Annalysse, Ainsley, Codie, Kipton; one greatgrandchild due in April: Lucas Michael. Ray has many nieces and nephews, all loved and enjoyed. He is preceded in death by his father, Terrell Fields, mother, Rachel Thornton Fields, brother, Terrell, Jr., and sister, Lodeska Taylor.

Ray, Opal and Tina have been members of Calvary Baptist Church (Parkway and Wickham Rds.) since 1962. Ray served the Lord faithfully at home, work and in his church. He taught a Sunday School boy’s class for many years, sang in the choir, was a deacon, and early on, the treasurer. He had a willing heart to meet the needs of others. Ray shared the gospel with many people because of his desire to see them come to know the Lord.

He will be remembered for many things: working in his yard, being a meticulous accountant, enjoying RV trips, faithfulness to Calvary Baptist Church, daily time with God, and eating vegetables, Opal’s cornbread and his beloved Oreo cookies and milk. What his friends and family know is that he loved and was devoted to Opal. He loved, supported, and cared so deeply for his only child; he was a father that modeled righteousness and unconditional love. He adored his grandchildren and found fewer things in life that gave him greater pleasure. He never tired of his great-grandchildren, their kisses, hugs, and noise. He was always willing to give them a ride on his lawnmower. His family will forever hold him close in our hearts.

Ray Fields’ viewing will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 2980 N. Wickham Road on Friday, February 14, 2020 at 10:00 am. The service will follow at 11:00 am, and the interment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens in Rockledge, FL., 5950 South US Highway 1, Rockledge. FL.

Any donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church in memory of Ray Fields.