Fred "Ray" McDevitt

Fred Raymond McDevitt (1944-2024) was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to the parents of Robert Grove McDevitt (1921-1986) and Freda Carrie Bussard McDevitt (1921-2016).
He was a highly accomplished engineer and a die-hard Auburn fan. He earned his BS (1966) and MS (1968) in electrical engineering from Auburn University. His career was vast, and he created many inventions that we all use today. He was a pioneer in fiber optics, telecommunications, and video-on-demand. He received many accolades and awards from colleagues and companies around the world. He has several patents and was issued his first one while still in college.
Ray and Mary Jane lived a life that was anything but ordinary. Their nomadic and adventurous spirit led them from Alabama to Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, Georgia, and back to Florida. They made countless friends along the way, enriching their lives with diverse experiences and memories. Some of the dearest are those they consider the Big Chill group: Johnny and Gayle Wiley, Richard and Judy Langford, and Scott and B J Shamblin.
They returned to Florida to live down the street from their other dear friends of 55 years, Bob and Judy Langford, a testament to the lasting bonds they formed. Ray was passionate about car racing, Auburn football, and music (The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, and Fleetwood Mac were favorites). He enjoyed anything on the water, especially fishing with Michael and pulling his grandkids on a raft.
Ray was most proud and grateful for his family. He always had an encouraging thought, a big hug, and a smile to give. He was close to God and felt the responsibility to use his intelligence to create for the common good. His family hopes to continue his legacy of good works, kindness, and faithful service. At the end of his life, he and the family were blessed with incredible caregiving from Shan Ryder and Larry Liggett.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Jane Boroughs McDevitt; his brothers Charles (Marilyn), Carl, and Alan (Regena); and his children Michael (Emily), Michelle (Bryan Askew), and Maribeth (Jay Mukherjee). He was blessed with ten grandchildren: Tyler, Sam, Jane, Julian, Dominic, Ashleigh, Caleb, Lacey, Bryant, and Chenell. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Denise Boroughs Dickey, Neal McDevitt, Wade McDevitt, Karen Sullivan, Robert McDevitt, and Gavin McDevitt.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to
Shalimar United Methodist Church Parkinson's Support Group:
https://shalimar-umc.org/give
People's Hospice & Palliative Care
https://choosepeoples.com/foundation/
Baptist Health Care Foundation
https://www.baptisthealthcarefoundation.org/give
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday December 16, 2024 Lewis Funeral Home Navarre Chapel, 7794 Navarre Parkway, Navarre, FL 32566, with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00pm and service at 2:00 pm.
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