Raymond P. Basso

Raymond (Ray) Peter Basso passed away at age 97 on September 2nd, 2022, the perpetual competitor, he lived his life to the fullest dying 2 months short of his 98th birthday.
Raymond was born in Ironwood Michigan on November 5th, 1924 and came from very humble beginnings. While in college on a Basketball Scholarship at age 18, he worked as a Bellboy for room and board money, getting as much as a "quarter" in tips sometimes!
Raymond served in the United States Navy (Navy Seal) and was honorably discharge 1946, Raymond Peter Basso LT (JG), a dedicated Patriot, he continued to serve in the Navy Reserve until Honorably discharged in 1956
He received a bachelor's degree in Math and in 1949 he received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He worked in chemical plants as a Chemical Engineer to later become a Chemical Salesman for several firms in Chicago ILL and Jacksonville FL before starting his own company Bastech Inc in 1960. He started his business by selling one barrel of chemicals at a time and subsidized his income by making and selling decoys on weekends. He also sold plant fertilizer to residents in Jacksonville. He created two chemical plants, Jacksonville, FL and Natchez, MS. He developed the "Deresinating Agents" for the Papermill Plants.
An avid outdoorsman, Raymond enjoyed golf, hunting and fishing in Canada and Alaska. He golfed in Edinburgh, Scotland and countless tournaments throughout the country, he won the Azalea tournament at the Charleston Country Club. His passion for hunting led him to purchase Castle Hill Plantation in South Carolina where he enjoyed hosting his family and friends. In addition to his success with Bastech Inc., Raymond enjoyed investing in real estate and the stock market.
Raymond was compassionate, understanding and a great philanthropist. He
was and is loved, respected and admired by all and will be remembered as a kind and happy man who was a dedicated Patriot, a savvy businessman and a good friend who liked to get the best out of others.
Raymond and family are immensely grateful to the marvelous Mayo Clinic Doctors and Personnel for all the care, respect and dignity giving to him at his most vulnerable times
Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Catherine (Kitty) Bryant Basso. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Livia Sosa Basso, niece Joan Moll (Jimmy Platt) and grandniece Lynn Davies as well as countless loved and special friends
A reception for Raymond will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A visitation will occur Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 1:30 PM, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207.