Philip Ray Easterlin Jr.

1941 - 2026

Philip Ray Easterlin Jr. was born on April 30, 1941, in Valley Stream, Long Island, to Philip Ray Easterlin and Anne Sanders Easterlin. He grew up in Valley Stream before heading south to attend Georgia Tech, where he studied engineering. It was in Atlanta that he met and married Sherry Hartwig Easterlin.

In 1975, Ray and Sherry moved to Hilton Head Island, a place that would become central to Ray's life and legacy. Soon after arriving, Ray began work on his first project on the island, Plantation Club Villas in Sea Pines. This marked the beginning of a long and influential career in development. He founded Heritage Properties and operated from his office at Bow Circle, playing a significant role in shaping the growth of Hilton Head Island.

Over the years, Ray developed many notable projects, including the Sea Pines Country Club and Welcome Center, Captain's Walk and Cove, The Moorings, Dolphin Point Club, and Braddock Cove Club, among others. His work extended beyond Hilton Head to New Smyrna Beach, St. Petersburg, and Amelia Island, Florida. In the early 1980s, he built the Amelia Surf and Racquet Club, which he continued to run until he was 82 years old.

Ray and Sherry raised their two children, Lindsey Easterlin Crose and Travis Sanders Easterlin, in Sea Pines. They were deeply involved in the community and in Hilton Head Preparatory School, where their children attended. Ray was known for his dedication to community enrichment and served on numerous boards throughout his life.

Ray's family was a source of great pride. In addition to his children, he is survived by his brother, William "Bill" Easterlin; his sister-in-law, Kristi Meir Easterlin; his niece, Mikaela Easterlin Elwood; his nephews, Alex and Eric Easterlin; and his granddaughters, Lucy Lawton Crose, Patchin Ash Crose, and Mary Amelia Easterlin.

In his free time, Ray enjoyed tennis, golf, and travel. He will be remembered for his vision, leadership, above all, Ray will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. His vision helped shape the communities he loved, but it was his generosity and strong determination that left the deepest mark on those who knew him. A die-hard Georgia Tech fan, Ray took great pride in his alma mater and maintained a lifelong bond with his fraternity, valuing the friendships and traditions that came with it. Ray lived a life defined by purpose, hard work, loyalty, and love for his family, and his legacy will continue through the places he built, the community he served, the generations he inspired as well as his commitment to community, and devotion to his family.

Ray will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony on the Calibogue Sound. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Agape of Bluffton Care Group via Carnationfoundation.org.