Raymond Joseph Vaughn

Raymond Joseph (Ray) Vaughn, of Roanoke, Va., entered into eternal rest the morning of August 18, 2009, with his family at his side. Ray fought a courageous battle with cancer for six years with little complaint. He was a man of strong faith and lifted everyone up who knew him with a smile and encouraging word. Born on November 14, 1937, to the late Clyde Joseph and Nellie Nunn Vaughn, of Claudville, Va., in Patrick County, Ray joined the Navy at a young age and traveled around the world several times. During his distinguished 21 years serving our country, Ray received numerous awards and honors including, the Good Conduct Medal with a gold star, Navy Achievement Medal with a gold star, Sailor of the Year (1970), and Vietnam and Lebanon Service Medals. He served on various ships including the first nuclear aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Enterprise and is a Plank Owner of the U.S.S. Annapolis AGMRI as an original crew member.
Upon his retirement from the Navy in September of 1974, Ray worked in manufacturing for various businesses and retired a second time from Hampshire Hosiery as CFO. Ray's military service and subsequent manufacturing career took him and his family to various places to live, including the Panama Canal Zone, Texas, California and North Carolina. He moved to Roanoke, Va., for a second time in March 2000 and began another career as a Roanoke County school bus driver. Ray drove buses for seven years until his health began to fail. The students on Bus #5 from the Cave Spring lot bought him much happiness and joy.
Ray was a member, deacon and Sunday School teacher of Cave Spring Baptist Church. He was happiest when sharing the Word of God with his dear Sunday School class. Ray also enjoyed meeting his dear friends every Tuesday at Famous Anthony's at Oak Grove Plaza for breakfast and a bible study. They jokingly referred to themselves as the ROMEO club, "Retired Old Men Eating Out." He is a former member of the Valdese Rotary Club, Toastmasters of Hickory North Carolina, Ruritan Club, Lions Club, past Master Mason of Mountain Home Masonic Lodge and a current member of the Cave Spring Masonic Lodge.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gilmer and Billy Vaughn. He is survived by his wife, Donice Handy Vaughn, with whom he shared 48 years and the same birthday; daughter, Kathryn (Katie) and husband, John Varney, of Roanoke; and daughter, Karen Vaughn, of Herndon, Va. His daughters brought him great joy and happiness especially with their music. Grandsons, Jared Ray Varney, is a rising junior at VMI, and John Caleb Varney, is a rising sophomore at Cave Spring High School. Ray is also survived by his stepmother, Gladys B. Vaughn, of Danville; sister, Irene Byrd Worrell and husband, Dennie, of Collinsville, Va.; stepsister, Janice V. Rakes and husband, Danny, of Danville; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Vipperman Vaughn and Nancy Vaughn Stewart. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Hassell Handy, Garland Handy, Charlie and wife, Betty, Leon Handy and wife, Nellie, Billy Handy and wife, Deb, and the late Wilbert D. Handy and wife, Carlene; and sisters-in-law, Elise Hodges, Betty H. Biggs and husband, David, and Mary H. Young and husband, David. Ray leaves behind several nephews and nieces and great-nephews and nieces all of whom were very dear to him.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2009, at Cave Spring Baptist Church. Visitation will be at Oakey's South Chapel on Thursday, August 20, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be held 3 p.m. on October 20, 2009, at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Roanoke Rescue Mission, 402 Fourth St., S.E., Roanoke, Va. 24013 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.