Raymond Gene Hammersley was born to Bernice and Clarence Edgar Hammersley in Weymouth, MA in 1941 and raised in Wisconsin along with his 5 younger brothers. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In 1985 he made his way to San Jose, California after marrying Madelyn Canada Hammersley in her hometown of Cebu, Philippines. They would be together until his very last breathe. Together they raised 6 boys and 3 girls. Prior to this he also fathered 2 boys and 2 girls from a previous marriage. However his family extended far beyond and his love was shared indiscriminately to all those he touched, related by blood or not. He loved all his children and especially his grandchildren and loved to be involved with the community in every way he could.
His love to serve the community led him and a group of friends to form the San Jose North Valley Lions Club in August 1997. He moved through all the club positions to become President in 2000 and 2001. Lion Ray received District 4-C6 Lion of the year Award 2001. He has served in many of the District 4-C6 cabinet positions. Was a Board member of the Santa Clara County Blind Center for 5 years of which 2 years he served as the Board President. Lion Ray is President of the Los Banos Lions Club where he has increased membership and is serving in his 3rd term. Lion Ray is currently District 4-A1 Stanislaus Region Chairperson and 2nd year Leos Club Chairperson. In 2011/2012 Lion Ray has received International President Tam’s Award Medal for service to Lions. Lion Ray also received from District Governor Dave McCullough District 4-A1 Lion of the year award 2011/2012. In 2016 he was a recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship for dedicated humanitarian services, the highest recognition given by the Lions Club International Foundation.
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