Melvin James Rayman, Jr.

Melvin James Rayman, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on September 15, 1936. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin Sr. and Pauline Rayman, his beloved first wife of 49 years, Nancy Lou Rayman, second wife Betty Wright Rayman, brothers Gene (Ruth) and Richard (Sally), son Ron and granddaughter Morgan.

Mel is survived by his children, Mel III, Debbie Thomas (Shaun), Rick (Lisa), and Doug (Jennifer), and step-daughter, Tracy Collins (James). He was blessed with many grandchildren, Audrey Larkin (William), Danielle Ferrari (Christian), Melvin IV (Jackie), Ronald, Andrew, Kyle and Ryder, step-granddaughter, Erica Crandall (Andrew), great grandchildren, Christian, Ethan, Matthew, William, Spencer, Julia and Melvin V, and host of other wonderful cousins and friends.

Mel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his country, the Michigan Wolverines (GO BLUE), classic country music, softball, was an avid bowler, enjoyed darts, and mostly enjoying life with his friends hanging out in the garage. Mel would spend many days and nights reminiscing about the good ole days with his children and friends. Some of his great memories came from his trips. His notable trips included Luray Caverns, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, Tennessee, Dallas, Washington D.C., Quintana Roo Mexico, Bermuda, OBX and of course to watch “his” Michigan Wolverines play football (Ann Arbor, Utah and Maryland). Mel always dreamt of owning a cabin on a lake so he could enjoy the outdoors and fish. He also talked about buying a house in beautiful Ann Arbor to be close to his favorite team and near where he grew up.

Mel joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, shortly after graduating from High School. During his years of service, he was assigned to many ships, commands and cities cultivating his skills while growing a loving family. He was assigned to: USS Pollux (AKS-4), NAS Gylnco, GA, NAS Keflavic (Iceland), USS Norfolk (DL-1), USS Hainsworth (DD-700), Naval Station Rota (Spain), Naval Training Center (Great Lakes, IL), USS Seattle (AOE-3), Navy Manpower Material Analysis Center Atlantic (Norfolk, VA), Commander Submarine Forces Atlantic (Norfolk, VA) and finally Navigation Aids Support Unit (Gulfport, MS) until his retirement from active duty in June 1979.

Mel retired from the U.S. Navy as a Command Master Chief with 24 years of service. Following a couple years of contracting, most notably for CACI, Mel returned to serve in Civil Service. He retired from a second career as Assistant Supply Officer at Little Creek NAB after an additional 20 years of Civil Service.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” – Unknown.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 22, 10:00 am at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, with a visitation to be held at 9:00 am. Interment with full military honors will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. Immediately following, the family would like to welcome guests to celebrate Mel’s life at Doug and Jenn’s house.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to share your memories of Mel at www.kellumfuneralhome.com