Haynes, Raymond "Ray" Neal Obituary

Haynes, Raymond "Ray" Neal attended Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Haynes, Raymond "ray" Neal.

Graduation Year	Class of 1953
Date of Passing	Aug 22, 2016
About	Raymond (Ray) Neal Haynes, a longtime resident of Elk Grove died Aug. 22, 2016 surrounded by his family and pastors from his church, St. Peter’s Lutheran. He was born Nov. 2, 1934 to Owen and Oleva Haynes and graduated from Elk Grove High School with the class of 1953. Here he met his lifelong sweetheart, Leona Faye Ollar, and the two were married following graduation. Ray worked for Aerojet, retiring in 1995 after surviving a stroke; he also worked at Gibson Winery, and worked as a painter. In retirement, he worked for R&J Irrigation, and when Faye was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, he became her fulltime caregiver. He was an Elk Grove volunteer fireman when the fire department was located on Elk Grove Boulevard next to the railroad tracks and was a member of the Elk Grove Lions club, running a “mean game” of bingo in Elk Grove Park. Ray and Faye loved children and with five of their own still found time to participate in the foster care program, helping to raise an additional six children in their household. In his spare time he coached Little League for Elk Grove youth and worked at the Elk Grove High School football games as a member of the “chain gang,” graduating to work with EGVOICE Ron Bieber in the announcer’s box. More than 48 years ago the Haynes’ purchased their current residence on Grove Street from former fire captain Bud Van Doren and wife Hattie, and when they moved from their home on Elk Street to the house on Grove Street, Ray’s favorite saying was that they “moved from Elk to Grove,” that became a favorite family saying. Ray was active in St. Peter’s Church where he served on the Church Council, sang with the choir including as soloist, and served where needed. His family said, “Ray was a wonderful husband, caring for Faye after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s until the day he passed; a devoted father and grandfather, never turning away anyone who needed help, especially his family whom he loved more than words can express.” He is survived by his wife Faye; children Ray Jr., Terrie, Charlene (Rick Yount), Randy and Richie (Lisa); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters Jeanette and Sheryl; brother Jerry Koster and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be Sunday, Aug. 28 from noon to 5 p.m. at East Lawn Elk Grove Memorial Park and Mortuary, 9189 East Stockton Blvd. Services will be Monday, Aug. 29 beginning with graveside services at 10 a.m. at East Lawn Elk Grove and followed by a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 8701 Elk Grove-Florin Road. A reception will follow at the church. Remembrances may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or to the Alzheimer’s Association. - Information from the Elk Grove Citizen