Ray Harmon Fennelle

Ray Fennelle Obituary

FENNELLE He who sings, prays twice. Ray Harmon Fennelle Born July 30, 1928 in Soperton, Georgia; made his transition on February 13, 2011. He was pre-deceased by his parents Harmon Lee and Emma Victoria Horne-Fennelle, brothers Olius, Hillary and Troy, sisters Geneva "Nell" Wages, Ila "Peggy" Ruckhardt, Helen Farmer, and Hazel Adams and nephew Darrell Farmer. He is survived by his partner of 35 years, Jerry R. Jones and nieces and nephews, Byron (Mary) Fennell, Kenyon (MaryAnn) Fennell, James (Donna) Adams, Richard (Paula) Fennelle, Peggy Fennelle, Tammy Brooke, Tibby (E.M.) Mizell, Harmon Wages, Dianne Wages, sister in law Robbie Jo Fennelle and great nieces and nephews. Ray was a long time devoted member of Unity, most recently with Unity Spiritual Enrichment Center, Rev. Betty R. Sikking, minister. He received his B.A. from Oglethorpe University and a Masters degree from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1960. He held several administrative positions with that institution, the last as concert manager in 1966. In addition he performed extensively throughout the New England area in concert and oratorio. Ray, a baritone, performed as a duo with Robert Paul Sullivan, guitarist also in the New England area. His background in the music field led him to San Francisco where he continued to perform and served as personal representative to James Schwabacher, noted tenor-lecturer and president of the Merola Memorial Fund of the San Francisco Opera. Upon retirement from the music field, in 1974, he moved to Jacksonville and under the guidance of his sister, Nell Wages, longtime owner-operator of the Nell Wages Specialty Shop in Murray Hill, he opened R. Fennelle's Inc. in Riverside from which he retired completely in 2002. In retirement, he has brought joy to many in the Riverside area through his love and pursuit of gardening. At the request of the deceased, burial was by cremation. He also request no memorial services

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Feb. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Fennelle

8 Entries

Barbara Johnson

February 11, 2020

Ray Fennelle was a very kind and gentle soul. He and Jerry had a beautiful shop in Five Points and I was a customer of theirs for many years. My husband
always enjoyed conversations with Ray and Jerry while I shopped. I really miss
having these two wonderful friends. Jerry I wish you the best and I know how much you miss Ray too. Love, Barbara Johnson

Sue Staples

March 1, 2011

Jerry,
I am so sorry about Ray's death. He obviously touched many peoples' lives. You follow his footsteps by your work with us every day at TSA, you too touch lives and make a difference. You are a gifted teacher, a good friend and a smile so many times when I needed one. You were so lucky to share your life with this wonderful man for 35 years. I think of you often and pray for you daily. All my love to you and Ray's family.

Sam & Barbara Johnson

February 18, 2011

Dear Jerry and Ray's family. Our deepest sympathy to you and family. We were customers when Nell had her shop and continued with Ray when he took over. Jerry, I know you will miss Ray, but he left his three kitties to look after you.
We always enjoyed going to your shop, not only did you have beautiful merchandise, we enjoyed your and Ray's
conversations. Sam did not mind shopping with ya'll as he got to visit with you guys while I shopped to my heart's content. We missed visiting with ya'll after the shop closed, but we knew it was better for you and Ray. God bless you and Ray's family.
Love, Sam & Barbara

Harmon Wages

February 17, 2011

It's been a long time since I rowed a little dinky type row boat down Cedar Creek to get my shoulders in shape for football and all the while Ray was rehearsing some type of seriously beautiful music. His voice was so beautiful and solid; birds flew, fish jumped, and I was taken back by how it awakened the entire Cedar Creek Black Water Inhabitants.

February 16, 2011

Really enjoyed your lovely home, sitting out on the deck in the back with the three kitties you recovered, Tom, Dick, and Harry. Those cats would follow Ray around everywhere and sit by his feet when he sat on the swing on the back porch. Then they would come up and visit me (the tenant who rented above you) and visit with me. You were a good friend to those cats and I know they will miss you, as well as me and your friend Jerry. Jerry, so sorry about Ray. You were so sweet to him and you guys were the best "landlords" Love to you and Ray. Debbie McCafferty

Harmon Wages

February 16, 2011

It's been a long time since I rowed the dinky fishing boat to get my shoulders in shape for football while Ray practiced his voice lessons to prepare himself for a very successful profession. You could hear that voice resonate all the way down Cedar Creek and then some. Birds flew, fish jumped, and the voice awakened the beauty of the silent Black Water.

February 16, 2011

My deepest sympathies to the family. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do. God Bless. Val

Eileen and Robert Sullivan

February 16, 2011

After a 40 year search, we found you and visited with you in January 2011. Now we have lost you, but we know where you are. We will fondly remember you and keep in touch with our new friend Jerry forever. All our love, Eileen and Robert Paul Sullivan

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