Raymond E. Grant

1923 - 2021

Raymond E. Grant, 98, died peacefully at Baltimore Washington Medical Center on the afternoon of October 23, 2021, surrounded by his four daughters. A long term resident of Severna Park for over 55 years, he was most recently a resident of Spring Arbor Assisted Living. Ray was born on April 19, 1923 in Baltimore City, the youngest of two children of Raymond and Marie Grant. He was selected to attend, and graduated from, Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1941 and went to work for the C & P Telephone Company. In 1943, Ray enlisted into the Navy's V-5 Pilot training program, was commissioned and received his wings at Corpus Christie, TX. As a night qualified carrier pilot he flew Torpedo and Dive Bombers in World War II. After the war, he attended the University of Maryland and joined the Kappa Alpha fraternity. Ray met his future wife of 70 years, Ruth Porter, who he married in 1947. Upon graduating UMD in 1949, Ray and Ruth moved to Olde Severna Park, where they raised their 4 daughters, Dana, Karen, Dale and Betsy. He joined his father in opening a Real Estate business, later opening his own brokerage, Ray Grant Realty. Not only was he a licensed real estate agent, he was a licensed insurance agent and later became a certified real estate appraiser. He helped develop multiple communities in Severna Park, to include Severna Gardens, Severna Forest, and Fair Oaks. With a career spanning more than 30 years, Ray's honesty, integrity and his desire to help people were paramount to his success. Ray's genuine kindness and outgoing personality led to being loved by the community and he had many lifelong friendships. A charter member of Severna Park Kiwanis, Ray's service and generosity was evident in his support of local schools, hospitals and athletic teams. He was also a charter member of Chartwell and Walden country clubs and the Severn River swim club. Continuing his love of sports that was evident since his youth Ray was an avid fan for the Orioles, Ravens and UMD teams. His hobbies included cooking, music, and attending the theatre. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling the world, but his favorite destination was going to their Rehoboth Beach home. Family was the most important thing in his life and he supported everything his family did. Ray attended hundreds of sporting events and performances over the years for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ray is survived by his four daughters: Dana Pilallis of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Karen Felts and husband Bob; Dale Shaklee and husband Mark; and Betsy Wyble and husband Steve, all of Severna Park. Known as Poppop, he is also survived by six grandchildren: Grant, Reid, Erin, Todd, Matthew and Lauren as well as ten great grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his wife Ruth and great granddaughter Ellie. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Spring Arbor Severna Park who took such great care of our father. A private interment of ashes will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland.