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Ray Manning Day Jr.

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University of Maine

Ray Day Obituary

DAY On Monday, September 26th, Ray Manning Day, Jr. passed away unexpectedly. A devoted husband and life long companion to wife Harriett through five decades. A proud, loving Father and Best Friend to his son, the Honorable Lance Manning Day, and his wife Monica. Ray a former U.S. Marine who in World War II bravely served in the Pacific Theater. Ray was a strong yet gentle spirit with an eternal smile and a passion for life's simple pleasures. A lake sunrise, or sitting around an outdoor fire at sunset listening to the cry of the loons on a brisk Maine shoreline. A day spent doing anything with his son, his confidant, and his best friend, Lance. Ray M. Day was born on May 21, 1926 in Bar Harbor, Maine. His family lived in Washburn, where Ray graduated High School before entering the United States Marine Corps in July 1944 where he served until the war's end. Ray returned to academia, attending the University of Maine, and graduated from Ricker College in 1951 with a degree in Business Administration. He partnered with his father to form the Day Potato Company, a Potato Brokerage business, with markets stretching from New England through the South. Eventually, the Days sold the business and Ray joined the Boston Office of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as an adjuster. While working for Liberty mutual, Ray met the love of his life, Miss Harriett Smith a Boston attorney. Their love for one another led to marriage in December of 1955 and the birth of their cherished son, Lance, on February 9, 1957. Later that same year, the Day family moved to Jacksonville, where they reside to this day. Through the 1970's Ray was the District Industrial Relations manager for Houdaille-Duval-Wright Division of Houdaille Industries, Inc. In 1980 he joined the Gate Petroleum Company as its Claims and Risk Manager. Ray was proud to be known as one of the original, “Gate Brothers,” and continued with the company until his retirement in 2003. Ray is survived by his wife of 50years, Harriett Smith Day of Jacksonville, his son, Lance M. (Monica) Day of Jacksonville, many adoring nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray M. Day Sr. and Lucy Stoddard Day, brother, Keith and ancestry dating back to the original voyage of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower to Plymouth Rock. Ray was active in social activities through the Gate Governor's Club and a member of the Duval Lawman's Association. Due to his strong belief in helping law enforcement, he was a proud member of the 200 Club of Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Police Council. Family will receive visitors on Thursday, September 29th at the HARDAGE-GIDDENS Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m... Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 30th, 2005 from the Chapel of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, with The Reverend Dr. Richard M. Turk and The Reverend Davette L. Turk, officiating. Family will receive visitors immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the 200 Club of Jacksonville, P.O. Box 32298, Jacksonville, Florida 32298. (904 384-7100) Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Florida Times-Union from Sep. 29 to Sep. 30, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Ray Day

35 Entries

Dan and Beth Wendt

October 13, 2005

Lance,

We were sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You, Monica, and your mom are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and your family.

Summer-leigh Day

October 5, 2005

To my Grandfather, who told all the best stories and could find the light in every situation. A man my son can look up to and respect, learn the values of life, and the simple pleasures that make every day special even now that you have passed. He will know you like I know you best, through the tales of your life, the light of your humor, and the lessons that live on in your son, baby Adam David's own Grandfather. I love you Ray, peace be with you - and your love be with us. Adam, Summer-leigh and Adam David

Lee Smith

October 2, 2005

"Let not your heart be troubled"

Always here for you,

Lee and Holly

Shannon Kennedy

October 1, 2005

Dearest Harriett, Lance and Monica,

What a sad day it was when I learned of Uncle Ray's passing. Indeed, he was a gentleman and a truly kind man - truer words cannot be spoken. I am so grateful to have had some time last year to spend with you and Ray, Harriett. He had such a warm and welcoming smile...it was a treat to know such as man as he. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Much love,

Shannon Kennedy

Sandra & Tom

October 1, 2005

We couldn't be more sorry. I wish I had the words that could help lift the sorrow but that can only be done with time and the love of your family. Just know how much we care and if we can help in any way, don't hesitate to call. Love you all.

October 1, 2005

Cynthia

October 1, 2005

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Love Cynthia

Jerry Green

September 30, 2005

Ray's Family,

I had the great pleasure of knowing Ray for approximately 13 years through my employment with the Gate Petroleum Company. Over those years we spent hours talking about mutual interests and our families.

Ray was truly a wonderful human being and will be missed by so many who were touched by his very special ability to share his friendship and compassion immediately, as if he had known you forever.

May the Lord grant you his grace and blessings!

George Nail

September 30, 2005

It was my pleasure to work with Ray during his years at Gate. He was a wonderful man and a true professional. Ray and I spent many hours sharing old Marine Corps stories together. May the Lord bless and comfort the entire Day family during this most difficult time.

Semper Fi, Ray!

BRENDA AND FAUSTINO ESTOY

September 30, 2005

MY FAMILY AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR SINCERITY TO YOU AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME.

ST. CATHERINES LABOURE` MANOR

September 30, 2005

WE,AT ST. CATHERINE'S LABOURE MANOR WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

MARK VAUGHAN

September 30, 2005

DEAR MRS. DAY AND LANCE,

WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES IN THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD. I WILL NEVER FORGET GOING OUT ON YOUR BOAT AND MR. DAY TEACHING ME HOW TO SKI. MR. DAY WAS A KIND MAN AND A GOOD NEIGHBOR. I AM HONORED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS.

GOD BLESS.

MARK,LORI,TAYLOR,MAKENZIE AND CLANCY

JESSICA POLLARD

September 29, 2005

I AM VERY SORRY FOR EVERYONES LOSS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU. I'LL KEEP EVERYONE IN MY PRAYERS.

Marita Worthington

September 29, 2005

Ray's Family,

I had the pleasure of working with Ray while Gate was a client with the former AHL. I always treasured my visits to Gate, even though it was a part of my job, it was not work, because of Ray and his staff. Ray was always welcoming and had a smile on his face. It was always a pleasure to see him.

As you go through the journey of life, there are certain people you meet along the way that truly make an impression on you, and you treasure having known them. For me, Ray was one of those people.

My sincere sympathy to the family.

Gary Hopkins

September 29, 2005

Lance, Words cannot express the sadness I feel for you with the passing of your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will never forget the wonderful times I spent with you, your Mom and your Dad. He was sort of like a second dad to me, a man that taught me a lot about life and how to live it, how to treat others and how to be a gentleman. I could not have learned this from a better teacher.

Harriett, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. You and Ray always meant so much to me. The wonderful times I spent with your family are experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

May God bless

Gary, Wendy and Madison

Beverly Pickens

September 29, 2005

Lance - Very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Daddy. May your wonderful memories help you and your Mom during this very sad time.

Bev

Arthur R. Smith USMC (Ret)

September 29, 2005

Go in Peace Marine. SEMPER FI

Nancy Knotts

September 29, 2005

Dear Aunt Harriett and Lance,

We were greatly saddened to learn of Uncle Ray's passing and send our deepest sympathies. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Nancy, Charlie & Stephanie

Jimmy & Cindy Patrick

September 29, 2005

Lance and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Unfortunately, Cindy and I both have lost our parents in the last few years and it hurts deeply, but no one can take away those beautiful and hilarious memories, for time eternal.

Jill Smith

September 29, 2005

Uncle Ray thank you so much for all of your love and support over the past four years. I’m deeply going to miss your warm hugs and words of encouragement.

Our relationship over the past four years has helped me fill the void in my heart after losing both of my grandfathers at an early age.

I will truly miss our lunch dates and the colorfully stories you shared with me about my Grandfather John.

I promise to do my best to watch over Aunt Harriet and Lance in the way that you watched over me.

Love Always,

Jill

Glorious Johnson

September 29, 2005

God bless you and your family. May His love give you strength and peace.

Councilwoman Glorious Johnson

FAYE ROBINSON

September 29, 2005

Lance, I have always enjoyed the times I shared with your family. I am so sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts. My sincere condolences to each of you. You were truly lucky to have so many wonderful years with your Dad and best friend. Love, Faye

Joyce McGuire

September 29, 2005

Mr. Ray Day hired me to work for him in 1989 at Gate Petroleum Company. He helped me through a lot of tough times in my early days at Gate. I was going through a divorce and money was scarce. He would help me when my car would break down and let me pay him back, a little each payday. I can't tell you how many times he worried if I had enough to make it from one pay day to another. He was very thoughtful and always gave me words of praise and encouragement. Ray was my confidant. I trusted him completely. I know, for a fact, that you could tell him something and if you asked that he keep it confidential, he would. I will never forget him or his wonderful wife and son. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sylvia Bateh Fore

September 29, 2005

Ray was the most wonderful man I have ever had the pleasure of working for. He had the kindness heart and just a great man. Would do anything for you and always listened to what you were saying. I missed him when he retired and I will miss him even more now.

Sylvia Bateh Fore

Keith Yount

September 29, 2005

Harriet and Lance,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Ray. In the time that I knew him, in talking to him I learned that He was a very kind, gentle man. He will be missed.

My deepest condolences go out to You and all Of his extended family.

Raymond & Linda Hutchins

September 28, 2005

If you could pick one word for Mr. Day it would be inviting. All of you who read this guest book know what I mean. Good husband, good dad, good man to know albeit only a short while. Enough said. That was Mr. Day's way. We'll miss you Mr. Day.

Abe and Renee Bateh and family

September 28, 2005

Dear Mrs. Day, Lance and Monica:

Our sincere condolences on the passing of your husband and father.

May GOD bless your entire family, and take care of you during this trying time. Sincerely,

Marlene Giese

September 28, 2005

Ray was a very nice man. I worked with him for about 20 years at Gate Petroleum Company. He will certainly be missed. My condolences to you, Harriett, Lance and Monica.

Leslie Kelly

September 28, 2005

Everyone deserves an Uncle Ray...a funny man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile that could light up a room. An intelligent man able to add insight to any conversation…and a man fair enough to see all sides of it. A patient man who’d sit and play card games for hours with chatterbox little girls. A smart-aleck able to take the wind out of the sails of anyone getting too big for their britches with one well-timed wisecrack. A quiet, calm man of strength and compassion always there to offer a comforting hug in the most painful of moments.

A steadfast, honest, noble man.

Most especially, a kind man. And one of the best men I’ve ever known.

Aunt Harriet, you were his sweetheart, the woman of his dreams and I hope it gives you comfort to know that this big, wonderful man adored you.

Lance, I can only imagine the pride he felt in your brilliant accomplishments. And how happy it must have made him to have raised a son he truly respected...and genuinely liked.

Monica, how wonderful that he was able to welcome a daughter into his life and I know he believed he could never have chosen a finer one.

We’re all so very sorry for this loss.

With much love--Leslie, Bruce, Caitlin, Lauren and Megan

Sharon Leonard

September 28, 2005

Harriett and Lance,

I would like to express my sympathy to you both in the passing of your Husband and Father. Ray was an amazing person; I had the pleasure of working with him a few years while he was with Gate and grew to appreciate his knowledge, wisdom and wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all. Love and prayers to your family.

Sam McKenzie

September 28, 2005

I received the call last night from Burt Miles advising of Ray's passing. It was sad news, but it also brought back fond memories of my friendship with Ray and Harriet that starting with us working together at Liberty Mutual in the 60's. When I arrived in Jacksonville I knew no one, but Ray and Harriet brought me into their home and provided friendship and kindness that was sorely needed. I contribute my success later to that kindness as I doubted I would have lasted long in Jacksonville. He will be surely missed. Harriet and Lance, we have you in our prayers.

Karen Hawkins

September 28, 2005

In memory of my dear Uncle Ray - the kindest "gentleman" I've ever known. I'll miss his warm smile and tender embrace. Aunt Harriet and Lance, you are in my heart and prayers. Love, Karen Smith Hawkins

Vickie Riedling

September 28, 2005

To the Day Family, My mom Hazel Thomas called and told me of the loss of your husband. I am so sorry for the huge loss. May GOD bless you and your family. Earth's loss is Heavens gain and we will some day meet up with our family again. "Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never the same" I will have you and your family in my prayers each and every day.

May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU,

Vickie Riedlng (Daughter of Hazel and Bob Thomas)

Hazel Thomas

September 28, 2005

Dear Harriett,Lance and the Day Family,

I am so grieved to hear of the death of your wonderful husband and father I will always think of him as a "Gentle Giant" and my heart will hold many happy memories.

Earths loss is Heavens gain!!

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I Love you, Hazel Thomas

Cheri Smith

September 28, 2005

I would like to express my heart felt condolences to the Day Family.

My memories of Uncle Ray will be held in my heart always. Thank you for being a great uncle and spending Holidays with us and teaching us how to play spades. Save me a seat at the table....

I Love You,

Cheri

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