Edward DeRay Phifer Jr.

Edward DeRay Phifer, Jr.
December 18, 1948- February 26, 2025.
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.
Edward DeRay (Ray) Phifer, Jr., Age 76, a long-time resident of Oxford, Florida, passed away peacefully at UF Health hospital in Leesburg, Florida after a lengthy illness.
Ray was born on December 18, 1948, in Jacksonville, Florida to Edward D. Phifer Sr. and Mazie Phillips Phifer. Ray was a graduate of the Wildwood High School class of 1967. He was always proud to say that in 1964, he played with the Wildwood Wildcats High School football team that won the class 'A' State Championship.
Ray proudly served with the Florida National Guard Unit in Leesburg, Florida. He was employed at the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, and the United States Postal Service until his retirement. He is a member of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, Florida. He was a former member of the Wildwood Coffee House Social Club.
Ray was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He especially enjoyed running his beagle dogs and chasing rabbits. Some of his fondest memories was spending time at his weekend home in Steinhatchee, Florida.
In 1970, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Susan Hall, and they were married for 55 years. Survivors include his loving wife, Susan; daughter Erika (Jim) Mullins, son Randy Phifer, sister Rebecca Williams, Grandchildren Larra (Drew) Terry, Brett, Montgomery, Dalton Phifer and Emersyn Blasberg. One Great Grandchild Jack Terry, and many loving cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, Florida on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00AM.
In Honor of Ray, memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist church, 91 W County Road 466, Oxford, Florida 34484, or the American Cancer Society.
On-line condolences and the most up-to-date obituary can be found by visiting www.bankspagetheus.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Banks/Page-Theus Funerals and Cremations, 410 Webster St. Wildwood, FL.
GONE HUNTING AND FISHING WITH THE MASTER
I've finished all life has for me,
I've been invited to
the great hunting and fishing grounds,
Where every day is a
wondrous day to hunt and fish,
to fill your heart with every wish.
Don't worry, or feel sad for me,
For I'm hunting and fishing
with the Master of the Hunt.
We'll miss each other for some time,
but in time you will come,
and we'll be with each other again.
That won't be long you will see,
'till we're together again, you and me.
For all those that think of me,
know that I am on a great hunt and fish
and happy as can be.
Of those that wonder my missing
Tell them I'm gone hunting and fishing.