Obituary: Ray Patrick, 1923-2017

Raymond H. (Ray) Patrick, an eighty-five year resident of Parker, passed on December 1, 2017.

Born December 25, 1923 in Globe, Arizona, Ray graduated from Parker High School in 1942 where he participated in all sports. He attended the University of Arizona and later joined the United States Marine Corps as a paratrooper. While serving in the Pacific Theatre, Ray participated in the assaults on Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima where he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Ray returned to Parker where he married Lois Terry.

His professional life included: Lineman, bartender, sweetshop owner, wholesale distributor, Standard Oil Bulk Plant jobber, owner of Parker Shell and Ray’s Shell in Earp, California, as well as co-owner of P&H Family Store and the Terry Courts apartments. Ray retired from the Parker Unified School District.

Ray was active in his community. His service included being the last surviving Charter Member of the BPO Elks #1929, past Fire Chief of the Parker Volunteer Fire Department and ambulance service, member of the Eddie May VFW Post #7061, member of the Parker Chamber of Commerce, the Hustlers, and the Parker Boat & Ski Club. Ray has been inducted to the Parker High School Wall of Fame, received the Parker Chamber of Commerce George Award and served at the Grand Marshall for the 2016 Veterans’ Day Parade.

Ray’s passion for outdoor activities included jalopy racing, water skiing, fishing, hunting, football (Wine Bowl MVP), baseball, Parker Broncs’ Chain Gang and golf. Ray’s golf highlights were three hole-in-ones at two different courses, all after he turned eighty. He enjoyed retirement in Parker, Yarnell and in “God’s County” Pinetop, Arizona.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-two years, Lois Patrick. He is survived by his brother, Dick Patrick (91) of Mancos, Colorado, daughters Coni Volpe and Kelly Wilson, son Mitch Patrick, grandchildren Allen May, Hillary Wilson and Shene Patrick, and great grandchildren Cally May and Jeremiah Stephens.

Services will be at the Parker Elks Lodge, 716 Laguna Avenue, Parker at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 10th, 2017. Internment with military honors will be the following day, Monday, December 11th at 10 a.m. at Parker Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Parker Elks Lodge Building Fund.