Raymond Clarkson

1965 - 2021

Raymond Clarkson
September 5, 1965 - June 3, 2021
Boise, Idaho - Raymond Francis Clarkson II died June 3, 2021 at the age of 55 in his home in Boise, Idaho, after his long battle with cancer.
Ray was born on September 5, 1965 at Fort Belvoir Army Base in Virginia, to his father Air Force Lt. Colonel Raymond Edward Clarkson and his mother, Cecelia. He grew up in Fairfax, VA, Louisville, KY and Palmyra, IN. He attended Howe Military Academy and graduated from North Harrison High school in 1983. After graduation, he was off to Fort Knox, KY to begin his military career in the Army.
Simply put, Ray's 24-year military career defined him. He desired to be of service to his fellow man and the military became his family. To hear him describe it, the military was a loving brotherhood, as we have witnessed by the countless contacts, caring gestures and offerings of support and love, before and after Ray's passing.
Ray's military service as a tank crewman, tank instructor and recruiter took him to Germany and then back to Boise in 1989 where he served in the Idaho Army National Guard until his retirement in 2007 as a Sergeant First Class. His son, Chris, has followed in his father's military footsteps and is now a Sergeant, serving as a Bradley Section Leader at Fort Hood, TX.
Ray loved his children, Chris and Michelle, and he loved life! And he was an avid participant in life! He was adventurous…An expert water skier, a competitive springboard diver, accomplished downhill skier, and zealous dirt bike and side-by-side ATV rider--and Boise was the perfect home for Ray to enjoy all of his outdoor passions! He loved spending time riding dirt bikes with his son, Chris and many friends. He truly looked forward to those trips where he took Michelle and Chris boating, tubing, and camping. Ray also was a wonderful cook creating many of his own recipes. He never met a stranger and would not miss an opportunity to strike up a conversation with anyone.
Ray had a true wanderlust and traveled extensively! One of his trips took Ray to the Philippines to visit his cousin Rosemary (Jeff), where Ray met Ann. From their first date in 2016, Ann and Ray were like two peas in a pod. They "got" each other. They married in Boise in December 2019 and have resided in southeast Boise since.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Cecelia (Tomasino) and Raymond E. Clarkson.
Ray is survived by his wife, Ann, his son Christopher Clarkson (Hannah) of Nolensville, TX and daughter Michelle Clarkson of Moscow, ID who are his children with Julie Clarkson-Gulick, his grandson, Blake, his stepson, James, and Ray's three sisters Kathleen Clarkson of Clearwater, FL, Melissa Clarkson of Clearwater Beach, FL, and Susan (Leo) Campbell of Arlington, VA and their children Matthew, Allison and Olivia, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and many Friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel with viewing an hour prior to service. A committal service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.