Raymond Chammas

Raymond Chammas, a 44-year-old Navy Veteran and 20-year resident of Columbus, Ohio, died unexpectedly in Columbus on Christmas Day 2023. Ray is survived by his sweet and loving mom Terry Lewis, older sisters Jennifer Achatz and Nicole Rule, cousin Earl Mah, and was a loving Uncle to Kedzie Rule, Elsa Rule, Ainsleigh Rule, and Olive Rule. Raymond was predeceased by his loving grandparents Earl and Dorothy Barg, and Aunt Joyce Mah.
Ray also leaves behind many friends from his school years, service in the Navy, college, and motorcycle buddies.
Ray was born August 17, 1979, and raised in Oxford, Michigan by his beloved single mom. He was brought up seeing the hard work ethic his mom instilled in him, to never give up on his dreams, that he was worthy of amazing things, and with so much love. Ray was also blessed with incredibly loving maternal grandparents who taught him about farming, and hard work, and he spent many years helping his grandparents on the farm and going to the Detroit Eastern Market.
He enjoyed playing many sports for Oxford schools; football, baseball, and wrestling. Ray was an excellent leader and teammate and was loved by his coaches. He was a big Michigan fan and when attending Ohio State games would often wear Michigan apparel. At his college graduation ceremony from OSU, he had a big letter M on his cap!
Ray was also an excellent student and received honors in HS, even making the list of "Who's Who Among American High School Students," a prestigious list that recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service. After graduating HS in 1997, Ray went on to serve in the Navy for 6 years aboard the USS Pearl Harbor and was stationed overseas when 9/11 happened. Ray received high recognition for his time in the Navy EN3 (Seaman) honorably discharged after several years of commendable service. Ray used his GI bill benefits to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Nursing completed in 2007 from Ohio State University, again graduating with honors and a 3.5 GPA. At the time of his death, Ray was in the process of completing his master's in engineering degree also from Ohio State University. There he maintained a 3.9 GPA and served as a teacher's assistant for several advanced engineering courses under Ph.D. professors.
Ray was also a proud owner and operator of his own HVAC business, RC Heating and Cooling where he received his 3rd class steam engineering licensure from Columbus State Community College.
Ray loved fully. He loved and cherished his mom the most. He was an incredible son, always recognizing and celebrating his mom on holidays and her special days such as her birthday and Mother's Day. He would visit her frequently and often send flowers no matter where he was. He made sure his mom was taken care of, safe and loved. Ray was the most loving and caring son, grandson, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend, and will be greatly missed.
We will miss his warm hugs, handsome dimpled baby face smile, infectious laugh, and his enthusiasm for life.
A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 1-3 pm with a eulogy service at 1:30 pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica.
In honor of Ray and his beautiful life, and in lieu of flowers the family requests donations can be made to any local mental health services or a veteran support organization.