Obituary for Ray Edwards
Raymond W Edwards
July 5, 1943 - August 25, 2022
Ray was born in “the heart of Texas” in Brownwood to Raymond Edwards Sr and “Jackie “ Edna Florence Edwards. Ray was the second child after Curtis, then Ron & sister Jan. The family joined Uncle Hank Edwards and family in Coupeville in 1951 where Rays dad opened his plumbing business. Ray Jr learned plumbing working with his father but crawling under houses with big spiders sent him down a different career path. After graduating from Coupeville HS in 1961 Ray spent 4 years in the Air Force in Montana, New Mexico and Germany. During his military time he wired missiles in NM until they realized he was color blind! He then learned Auto Body Repair.
After the military, while at the Blue Fox Drive in Oak Harbor his friend Sandy Wainio introduced Ray to his cousin, Sharon Cattron. Sharon was too busy that night, but a month later a friend said “Go look at that car in the driveway!” Ray had arrived driving a ‘66 GTO convertible! I was in love! Then I got to know Ray!
Ray and Sharon married July 03, 1967. Son Robert was born September 3, 1967, and he truly was premature weighing in at 2 # 14 oz. Son Randy was born June 18, 1969. Ray & family moved to South Whidbey where Ray opened Rays Auto Rebuild in Clinton. He also worked at Simmons Garage in Clinton. In 1990 we built our home and large garage on Wilkinson Rd where Ray repaired and rebuilt South Whidbey’s cars until 2018.
Rays father in law “Catt” Cattron introduced golf into Rays life at UBG&CC and a lifelong passion was born. Ray golfed everywhere he could but Harbor Pointe Golf club became his second home. Golf with his good friend, Pro Mark Rhodes & wife Donna in Hawaii was one of our best vacations. Ray was also excelled at bowling with two perfect 300 games and a 299. There were hunting trips with family and friends for Elk, Pheasant, Antelope & deer. Not to forget the many hours catching Salmon, trout and raking Smelt off Libbey’s beach in San de Fuca. That boat also took us water skiing and great 4th of July weekend memories with Sharon’s family at the Langley dock.
Ray was preceded in death by his father& mother, Ray Sr & Jackie, both brothers Curt Sr & Ron, his father & mother in law, Catt & Ellen, his brother in law Ron Cattron. Survived by wife of 55 years Sharon, sons Robert (Brian)& Randy (Shayne), grandchildren Joe & granddaughter Breann(Dakota). Blessed with Great grandson Brentley and was eagerly awaiting his great granddaughter Haiden Ray Lee Carter.
Ray is also survived by his sister Jan Libbey (Dale), his sisters in law Beverly Edwards, Gayle Pancerzewski (Charlie) and 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 & Debbie Wade.
His life had many large challenges and great rewards. It got physically difficult in the last year but Ray was not giving up. His strength kept him trying. The latest fall caused a catastrophic neck injury, Ray made the choice to let go. He will be so very missed by family and his friends. A Celebration of Life will be September 10, 2022 at the Rod & Gun Club in Langley noon - 4:00. Casual dress, just like Ray. Sweats, golf shirts, T shirts and baseball caps. Come and share stories!
July 5, 1943 - August 25, 2022
Ray was born in “the heart of Texas” in Brownwood to Raymond Edwards Sr and “Jackie “ Edna Florence Edwards. Ray was the second child after Curtis, then Ron & sister Jan. The family joined Uncle Hank Edwards and family in Coupeville in 1951 where Rays dad opened his plumbing business. Ray Jr learned plumbing working with his father but crawling under houses with big spiders sent him down a different career path. After graduating from Coupeville HS in 1961 Ray spent 4 years in the Air Force in Montana, New Mexico and Germany. During his military time he wired missiles in NM until they realized he was color blind! He then learned Auto Body Repair.
After the military, while at the Blue Fox Drive in Oak Harbor his friend Sandy Wainio introduced Ray to his cousin, Sharon Cattron. Sharon was too busy that night, but a month later a friend said “Go look at that car in the driveway!” Ray had arrived driving a ‘66 GTO convertible! I was in love! Then I got to know Ray!
Ray and Sharon married July 03, 1967. Son Robert was born September 3, 1967, and he truly was premature weighing in at 2 # 14 oz. Son Randy was born June 18, 1969. Ray & family moved to South Whidbey where Ray opened Rays Auto Rebuild in Clinton. He also worked at Simmons Garage in Clinton. In 1990 we built our home and large garage on Wilkinson Rd where Ray repaired and rebuilt South Whidbey’s cars until 2018.
Rays father in law “Catt” Cattron introduced golf into Rays life at UBG&CC and a lifelong passion was born. Ray golfed everywhere he could but Harbor Pointe Golf club became his second home. Golf with his good friend, Pro Mark Rhodes & wife Donna in Hawaii was one of our best vacations. Ray was also excelled at bowling with two perfect 300 games and a 299. There were hunting trips with family and friends for Elk, Pheasant, Antelope & deer. Not to forget the many hours catching Salmon, trout and raking Smelt off Libbey’s beach in San de Fuca. That boat also took us water skiing and great 4th of July weekend memories with Sharon’s family at the Langley dock.
Ray was preceded in death by his father& mother, Ray Sr & Jackie, both brothers Curt Sr & Ron, his father & mother in law, Catt & Ellen, his brother in law Ron Cattron. Survived by wife of 55 years Sharon, sons Robert (Brian)& Randy (Shayne), grandchildren Joe & granddaughter Breann(Dakota). Blessed with Great grandson Brentley and was eagerly awaiting his great granddaughter Haiden Ray Lee Carter.
Ray is also survived by his sister Jan Libbey (Dale), his sisters in law Beverly Edwards, Gayle Pancerzewski (Charlie) and 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 & Debbie Wade.
His life had many large challenges and great rewards. It got physically difficult in the last year but Ray was not giving up. His strength kept him trying. The latest fall caused a catastrophic neck injury, Ray made the choice to let go. He will be so very missed by family and his friends. A Celebration of Life will be September 10, 2022 at the Rod & Gun Club in Langley noon - 4:00. Casual dress, just like Ray. Sweats, golf shirts, T shirts and baseball caps. Come and share stories!