Ray R Gravlin

Ray the Fixer is the name on my cell for Ray. I often enter new names as a way of remembering who they are. I know now it is a great name for Ray because he is a fixer of lots of things: people, dogs and cats especially and, of course, our homes and for some of us old ladies, our cars. He will be missed for many reasons.

Ray and Susan were always so kind to my family. We have two young boys and usually are in the back of the church. They would always smile, wave, and talk to the boys. He and Susan would also let them put their donation in and light candles before they prayed. When we had particular rough times at church (which was a lot), they always made us feel better. Susan's kind words and Ray's infectious smile and humor always made the situation better. So thankful that he and Susan were members of our church. This past Sunday when we found out about Ray, my older son put Susan's money in and a dollar popped out! It made all of us giggle! Then my younger son came and secretly lit 3 different candles! Susan mentioned how much Ray would have loved it and made her laugh. He was there in spirit! His smile truly was contagious!

Our family first met Ray in Huntsville. I would walk by their house everyday to and from work.. .and Lucky the dog tried to attack me. Soon after, I saw Ray out front, building a fence around the front yard. And in typical Ray style, it was a BEAUTIFUL fence, so I stopped to talk to him about it. From there, we became fast friends, and after the birth of our first child, Julian, Ray became even closer. Ray was Julian's first best friend, and kept Ian and I sane during graduate school, new parenthood, and learning to take care of an ancient house. So many beautiful memories from our time in Huntsville include Ray and Susan. We are so grateful that Lucky tried to bite me, all those years ago!!

We're so sorry to hear the news, Susan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You were Ray's angel, never forget that! AJ and Ray had a lot of good times together working on projects at the church. He will be remembered for his giving nature. Love you!

If Ray thought someone needed anything, he jumped in his truck and was on his way. Ray was able to find a way to help--whether repairing, building, comforting, or dispensing a "life lesson". He was good at holding the hands of old ladies and keeping in contact with them through a prolonged illness. And he would do this with a smile that covered his whole face, and without even mentioning his own ailments. Somehow, he found a way to choose joy every day and to pass that on to his friends and neighbors. Ray's sort of kindness and concern is never lost--it resides in the hearts of people who knew him and loved him.

Ah Raymond, my "beach" big brother. Whether you were in Margate, Rehoboth or Naples, you always had an open invitation (which I always accepted) to come relax at the beach. Chilling out, munching on beach crackers and always following Ray's rules of sun tanning - what spf, how many hours, when to turn...never allowed to "fry" unless it was the last day (because then I would be leaving?) But you wouldn't let me burn - big brother watching over. I remember all our walks on the pier to watch the sunsets...I especially remember our walk on Margate beach, with your dog Redwood, during a hurricane. What were we thinking?! We weren't- we were young, we were crazy, we were soaked and we had a blast. I never thought that anything could pull you away from the surf but, someone did. When you found Susan, there was no looking back. I am so happy that you found Susan and, by extension, her whole family that became your family as well. They are the wonderful people you were meant to have in your life. Ray, I will miss you. I will miss hearing your voice. But I will always think of you when I see a beautiful sunset, when there is a crazy rain storm, when I'm on the beach trying to keep to Ray's rules. Always in my . Karen

Ray completely extended himself to comforting me during my mother´s illness and death. He would ask me every day, "How´s your mudder?" He was always there to lend an ear.

I remember him asking an old couple, in front of the library in Naples FL, where Ray and I first became friends, with a very charasteristic grin of Ray's ask them: now! ... how long you two have been together for? "for a very very long time" they happily replied to him also with a grin on their face. May Ray's contagious grin live for ever!
Sal

I remember him asking an old couple, in front of the library in Naples FL, where Ray and I first became friends, with a very charasteristic grin if Ray's ask them: now! ... how long you two have been together for? "for a very very long time" they happily replied to him also with a grin on their face. May Ray's contagious grin live for ever!
Sal

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My coach, my co-worker and mentor, and the guy who taught me the key to self confidence and self respect. Never forget the summer I chauffeured you from Margate to work every day as a trade off to live at the beach.
Still have no idea what happened and how or why life came between us all, but nothing could ever change how much I love you brother.

I met Raybe when I was 30 years old. He became the dad I always wished I had. He never hesitated to introduce myself and sisters as his own. He was at every football game and equestrian event for my kids. He taught us to always do the right thing and love God. One of my favorite memories was when my daughter lost her kite. She was distraught because it flew away and wrapped around an electric wire. Two weeks later Raybe said a kite landed in his back yard and gave it to my daughter. Turns out, it was our kite. I will miss him so much and can´t wait to hug his neck again someday. I feel beyond lucky to have him in my life.

Here is a picture of him returning my daughter´s kite.

Ray was my big brother! Whenever I was struggling (and I did a lot) he would always say.."just lit a candle for you at church so keep praying and do the best you can and It´ll be OK." That got me through so many tough times. Thanks for all the support and crap you gave me Ray! Love you Bro! Vince

Love that you were my big brother and we had a lot of great times. I will miss you so much, La