Ray A. Ericksen's Obituary
Mr. Ray Alexander Ericksen, 79, passed away at home on Thursday, January 7, 2016. He was born in Spokane, Washington to Joyce and Alexander Ericksen on February 2, 1936. He attended North Central High School where he played football, basketball and ran track. He was awarded a full athletic scholarship for college.
Ray was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Whitworth, sister, Rowene Teter and brothers, John and Andrew Ericksen. Ray is survived by his brother, Harold Ericksen and his wife Kathleen.
Ray leaves a family that will miss him very much. A loving wife Penny, his son Ken and his wife Stacey, his daughter Kathy and her partner Trish, his daughter Deborah Croak and her husband Stephen, his son Kirk and his wife Amy, his daughter Michele Stock and her husband Richard. He will also be missed by his brother in law, Frank Doublard, his wife Pat and nephew Kevin.
Ray dearly loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. His grandsons are Alexander and William Stock, Ryan Croak and Joshua Yearout. His granddaughters are Kelsea, Kristina and Amanda Ericksen.
As a young man, Ray spent time in Europe and Alaska helping to develop government communication networks. Upon returning to the states, Ray began a life-long career as an engineer for the telephone company. After retiring, he embarked on a second career with Outsource Inc. as a consultant.
Ray met his future wife Penny while working for the phone company and they eventually moved to Florida, where they would raise their family. He was active in all of his children’s sports, whether it was football, soccer, swimming or cheerleading.
Ray and Penny loved to travel. They travelled extensively including England, France, Mexico, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Bermuda, Iceland and Canada. One of his favorite places to travel was the second home he and Penny purchased in Murphy, North Carolina. Christmas and summers at the cabin in Murphy created many special memories and friendships that none of us will forget. His friendships at Mission Inn also meant very much to him. Ray was a wonderful husband, strong family man, and dear friend to those who were lucky enough to know him.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 12th at 10 am at Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Home. 226 E. Burleigh Blvd. (Hwy 441) Tavares, FL, 32778, with interment following at Taylor Memorial Cemetery, Howey in the Hills, FL 34737. Online condolences may be shared on the Tribute Wall.
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