Raymond E. Lockhart

Raymond E. Lockhart, of Punta Gorda, FL, went home to the Lord on Monday, July 14, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Ray was born June 30, 1941, in Kittanning, PA, the son of Martin and Betty Jean (nee Yount) Lockhart. Ray and his loving wife of 53 years, Darryl Lynne (nee McCorkle) moved to Punta Gorda, FL in 1997 from Parkesburg, PA, and thoroughly enjoyed living in Punta Gorda.

Ray enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid golfer, boater, fisherman and hunter. He was a past member of the Twin Isles Country Club, and former member of various social clubs in the Punta Gorda area including the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club (Past Harbormaster President), Isles Yacht Club (served as Executive Financial Officer during rebuilding after Charley), PGI Boat Club, and The Royal Order of Ponce de Leon Conquistadors (as Ponce).

As a Conquistador he accepted the challenges of Project Manager/Monument Chairman for the ROPC; ultimately overseeing all aspects of the planning, financing and construction of the beautiful Ponce de Leon Memorial, located in Gilchrest Park, Punta Gorda, FL.

Ray served honorably in the U.S. Navy with most of his enlisted time spent aboard the USS Galveston (CLG-3), a Light Guided Missile Cruiser. After serving his Country in the military, he embarked on a career in the steel manufacturing industry, which spanned a period of forty-four years. This entire period was spent entirely in Sales Organizations, selling Stainless Steels, Titanium, Nickel Alloys, Carbon & Alloy Steels, Clad overlay and Floor Plate Products.

Over the years his company transfers included Los Angeles, CA; St. Louis, MO; Atlanta. GA; Pittsburgh, PA; and Philadelphia, PA. During that time, he continued his higher education at various universities including Penn State, Villanova University and USC.

Ray took early retirement in 1997 from Lukens Steel Company, Coatesville, PA, and relocated to Punta Gorda, FL. Shortly after retiring from Lukens', he accepted a position with the J. Allen Steel Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. as Vice President, operating from his Punta Gorda, FL home. After approximately 6 years he retired from J. Allan in 2003.

Ray will be greatly missed by his loving and devoted daughter Melissa Rae Lockhart of Punta Gorda, FL, & her wife Tiffany Clary; and three sisters, Carol (Walter) Leyland of Wintersville, OH; Darlene (Bob) Snider of Wintersville, OH; and Judy (George) Nemeth of Wintersville, OH.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Darry Lynne; both of his parents, a Sister Diane Keber, of Dillon dale, OH, and brother Ronald Lockhart, Toronto, OH. He is survived by nieces, nephews and many friends.

A Memorial Service to be held later will be private.

In lieu of Flowers, memorial donations suggested to the American Heart Foundation or Wounded Warriors Foundation in his memory.

The interment will be at the Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL.

Arrangements made by the Kay-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home & Cremation Services