Ray was born in Brownwood, in “the heart of Texas,” to Raymond Edwards Sr. and “Jackie” Edna Florence Edwards on July 5, 1943. He died August 25, 2022 at Harborview hospital following a catastrophic neck injury sustained in a fall.
In 1950, Ray moved with his family to Coupeville, WA from Texas, following the family of his father’s brother. Ray learned how to plumb from his father who owned his plumbing business, but learned early on that the big spiders under houses were not for him! After graduating in 1961 from Coupeville High School, Ray spent four years in the US Air Force serving in Montana, New Mexico, and Germany. He wired missiles until they learned he was color blind! Ray went on to learn auto body repair, where he built his career. He worked at Simmons Garage in Clinton, and owned “Ray’s Auto Rebuild” on South Whidbey for many years.
In 1966, Ray was introduced to Sharon Cattron at the Blue Fox Drive-In in Oak Harbor by Sharon’s cousin and Ray’s best friend Sandy Wainio. They were married July 3, 1967 in Langley and began their family in Coupeville with the birth of their first son Robert in 1967 followed by their second son Randy in 1969.
Ray’s lifelong passion for golf began when he was introduced to it at Useless Bay Golf and CC by his father-in-law, “Catt” Cattron. He golfed when and wherever he could, with Harbour Pointe Golf becoming his second home. Ray also excelled at bowling, with more than one perfect 300 game and a 299 to his credit. He had a lot of fun with the traveling bowling league. Ray was also a lifelong hunter and a fisherman, enjoying trips with family and friends for elk, pheasant, deer, salmon, trout, and raking smelt off Libbey’s beach in San de Fuca.
Ray was preceded in death by his father and mother, older brother Curt, and younger brother Ron. Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon, and their sons Robert (Brian) and Randy (Shayne), grandchildren Joe and Breann (Dakota), and great grandson Brentley. Ray was also eagerly awaiting the birth of his great granddaughter, Haiden Ray Lee Carter. Also surviving him are his sister Jan Libbey (Dale), sisters-in-law Beverly Edwards, Gayle Pancerzewski (Charlie), Carol Wade, nephews Curtis Edwards II (Christina), Tom Wade (Ashley), Rick Libbey (Kristin), Garrett Edwards, Corey Edwards (Heather), and nieces Cynthia Pancerzewski (Betty), Bunnie Edwards, Melissa Edwards Pope (Dana), Trisha Libbey Toney, JJ Edwards and Debbie Wade.
A Celebration of Life will be held September 10, 2022 from Noon-4pm at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club in Langley. You are invited to join family and friends in casual dress, just like Ray. Sweats, golf or t-shirts and baseball caps. Come and share your stories!
Full obituary available online at Wallinfuneralhome.com
