Ray was born in Ybor City, Florida, on November 19, 1943, to the late Susan Ray Girtman and Thurman Girtman. He graduated from Hillsborough High School. Ray enlisted with the US Navy and proudly served on the USS Skate (SSN-578). As a submariner, Ray circumnavigated the earth and was on the first mission to the surface at the North Pole. Ray met the love of his life, Patricia Carol Jennings, in New London, Connecticut. It was her or the submarines she said… the two married at St. James Episcopal Church on July 11, 1964, and moved to Tampa, Florida, to begin their life together.
Ray secured a job with Graybar Electric, where he spent his entire civilian working career. His gregarious personality and love of people served him well as he worked his way up within the company from delivery truck driver to regional sales manager. Late in his career he co-wrote a customer service training program and traveled the country teaching employees of Graybar valuable customer service skills.
Ray loved God, his family, and his country. He was Episcopalian by faith and served on the vestry at both St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, TN, and St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Tampa, where he was a founding member. He was a loyal and dedicated husband and father to his wife and two daughters. Ray was a member of the United States Submarine Veterans Inc. and a member of the local Tang Base SubVets.
While Ray, immensely enjoyed woodworking, gardening, bowling, and cooking in his free time; his true passion was saltwater fishing and cast-netting from his treasured Carolina Skiff. October was Ray's favorite month, as that was the month he and his wife made their annual return to New England to enjoy the many fall festivals, the changing colors of the fall leaves, and visiting with their many relatives and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Patricia; his parents, Susan and Thurman Girtman; and older brother, Charles Girtman.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly Fernandez, and Tammie Girtman; one much-loved son-in-law, Johnny Fernandez; grandchildren, Ashley Fernandez, Allison Collera and husband Brian, John Morgan Fernandez and wife Laura; one great-grandchild, Parker Fernandez, and one on-the-way, Greyson Ray Collera. Survivors also include Ray's younger brother, James Girtman: cousins (who grew up like siblings) Ed Cloud, Eugenia Forman, Ella Jaimungal, and Earline Barker: and two incredibly special lifelong friends; Navy buddy, Ignacio Castro, and favorite fishing companion, Frank Stockin.
The family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Atrium Gardens. The love, compassion, and care you have offered to our entire family during the most difficult year of our lives, has been a true blessing from God. Sometimes words are just not enough, but....... thank you. We are so grateful for each and every one of you.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Dora Children’s Home, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Florida Baptist Children’s Home, or Tunnel to Towers Foundations: four charities Ray and his wife Pat, generously supported throughout the years.
A funeral service to celebrate Ray's life will take place at 11 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. The family will receive friends one hour prior, starting at 10 am. A cemetery service will follow at 2 pm at Garden of Memories located at 4207 E Lake Ave. Tampa, FL 33610.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.blountcurrycarrollwood.com for the Girtman family.
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