Raymond-Farrell-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Woodlawn Memorial Gardens - Norfolk

Raymond F. Farrell

Norfolk, Virginia

Aug 5, 1927 – Sep 9, 2015

About

BORN
August 5, 1927
DIED
September 9, 2015
LOCATION
Norfolk, Virginia

Obituary

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Woodlawn Memorial Gardens - Norfolk Obituary

Our Loving Father, Ray, 88 years old, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2015, surrounded by Family and an outstanding Medical Staff at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. He was born a triplet on August 5, 1927 in Akron, Ohio to the late James and Myrtle Farrell. They were Roman Catholics.
Dad was preceded in death by 11 brothers and sisters, Robert, Juanita, James, Mary, Ellen, John, Mary, Anne (twin), Rita (twin), Paul (triplet), Elizabeth (triplet), and Winifred; two wives, Mary and Edna; and two daughters, Newell Farrell Cummings Morton and Theresa Farrell Albin.
Dad is survived by 6 children, Noreen Farrell Nickolas (Bruce), Mary Farrell Golding, Raymond Farrell, Jr., Patrick Farrell, Mechelle Farrell Heitzhaus (Kevin) and Christina J. Farrell; 10 grandchildren, Natalie Cummings Shepheard (Dave), Christopher Nickolas, Peter Cummings (Janette), Laura Nickolas Soto (Kaleena), Nathan Cummings, Joseph Farrell, Tommy Golding (Meaghan), Scarlet Haralson (Justin), Shelby Combs and Leo Rosso; three great grandchildren, Braeden Shepheard, Jaylin Riley and Tucker Cummings and many favorite nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dad joined the Navy on July 4, 1945 in Sampson, New York. He was trained as a Quarter Master; he assisted the officers of the deck, the navigator and performed ship control, navigation and bridge watch. He served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. His ships include the U.S.S. Alshain, U.S.S. Queens, U.S.S. Wyoming, U.S.S. Portsmouth, U.S.S. Providence and U.S.S. Chandeleur, and his final voyage was on the U.S.S. Intrepid (CVS-11) a.k.a. "The Fighting I" where he made three Vietnam deployments with the Seventh Fleet and earned the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) and awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. Also during his enlistment, he served as a military training instructor at Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, IL, navigation instructor at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and librarian. After he retired in 1970, he became a Certified Automotive Mechanic with his own Garage and Tow Truck. Dad worked his whole life.

Dad was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He gave everything to his children and never let them down. Dad was always fun to be around. A Man among Men. He loved all his dogs especially Fella. Dad enjoyed coaching with Churchland Little League and Churchland Pony League. He enjoyed watching football, baseball, softball, golf, figure skating, horse shows, dancing shows, and traveling to visit family. Also, he was a master gardener of tomatoes. He always called himself the "Black Sheep" of the family.

We want to thank all of our friends, neighbors, and doctors and staff at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth for all their help.
The viewing will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service and burial will be on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. After the funeral, Family and Friends are invited to have some "Good American Chow" for Dad at Mechelle and Kevin's home, 4037 Hargrove Landing, Suffolk, Virginia 23435. Donations to the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughter's in Norfolk, Virginia, are requested in lieu of flowers.

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Shell,Beana,Patrick,&family,
There really are no words to ever ease the pain of losing someone so special&close to your heart. I have fond memories of your dad when we were all growing up,simply put he was a hoot! He cherished all his children and would never let them down. How proud you all must be to call such a fine accomplished man..."dad". Shamrock shakes and softball games(and yes I was always in the stands w/dad-not on the field)...but good,good
memories!...

Mechelle, Beana and family,

What an impressive man he was!! He was always so nice and pleasant to be around. I know he will be truly missed. I'm confident you will find comfort in the wonderful memories you have of him! Your family is in my heart and prayers. My deepest sympathy. Love you!

Melissa

Christina,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. What a full life he led! Although his last year has been difficult, you should get comfort in knowing that you were there for him. I hope that memories of happier times will help you through the grief that you are feeling now.

I didn't know your father in his hay day but I bet he was one heck of a man. It didn't take long for him to find a place in my heart. Thank you for giving me the chance to get to know your father and be there for you when you needed it. It was an honor and a pleasure.

Mechelle and Beana,
So sorry to hear about your father's passing. His lovely obituary makes it apparent that he had a full and fulfilling life and was very much loved by his family and friends. Cherish those memories! Praying for you both and for your family.

May the Lord give you peace and comfort in this troubled time.

R.I.P. I will always remember your sweet smile as you sat in the front yard with all your pets and waved to everyone as we passed. You will be missed.

Love, peace and light to your family.

I loved that Guy, he had that rough and tuff kind of spirit, but was a sweet as can be!

Miss Ya Ray!