Harold Ray Nease

Harold Ray Nease passed peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2018 surrounded by his beloved family. He was 82 years young.

Ray was one of the most memorable natives Savannah has ever had. The youngest of seven children, he attended Savannah High School where he was a member of the ROTC, as well as a trumpet player in the band. After graduating in 1955, he joined the Air Force, where he ranked as a sergeant. After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio,Texas he was stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida, Guam, Greenland, and Japan. After the Air Force his career took him first into real estate in Savannah, then as a business owner in Florida where he settled with his wife and raised a family.

Anyone who ever met Ray knew they'd never meet another like him. Charismatic and funny with a sharp wit, he'd keep you in stitches with stories of playing stickball on Collins Street as a kid, to running from a herd of Caribou in Greenland. Ray loved an audience and would entertain all who would listen with songs from Elvis. If he didn't know all of the lyrics he'd make up his own and never once lose the tune. He was very giving and appreciative of even the smallest of gestures.

Most of all, Ray was proud of his military service, and especially that of his brothers whom he would want mentioned. Sergeant C. M. "Donald" Nease, a gunner, was killed in action over the Pacific during World War II, and major Robert F. Nease, Jr., a fierce combat pilot who served during World War II, the Korean War, as well as for Central Intelligence during the Vietnam War. These two soldiers were Ray's heroes his whole life.

Surviving are his wife Dale of Savannah; his daughter Cindy Homberger of Guyton, Georgia; Sheri Dotson of West Palm Beach, Florida; Tracy Pierce of San Antonio, Texas; Sisters Mary Beall and Ann Brusie, both of Savannah; Grandchildren Kyle, Tyler, Logan, Liam, Lachlan, as well as many nieces and nephews, all of who were very dear to his heart.

"Butterfly Kisses"

The family will receive friends in Ray's honor on Friday, January 26th from 5pm-7pm at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, 7200 Hodgson Memorial Drive, as well as funeral services on Saturday, January 27th at 1pm. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Abbey East, 1600 Wheaton Street.