Henry Ray Craycraft

Ray Craycraft, 97, of Middletown passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024 at Ohio Living Mt. Pleasant.

Ray was a lifelong resident of Middletown, Ohio. A graduate of Lemon Monroe High School 1944, he was a class officer, co-captain of the football team (Hornets), member of the Honor Society to name a few of many activities and interests, Ray over the years was key in organizing several class reunions and continued friendships. When he was 16 years old, Ray was recognized by the American Legion Buckeye Boys State and attended the outstanding youth program at Ohio Wesleyan University. This was a special honor and he proudly attended the week’s long program.

After graduating high school Ray was drafted to the US Army. He completed infantry training at Fort Blanding, Florida and Monterey, California before being sent to Fort Lewis, Washington. Special advanced training in Hawaii followed. Ray was sent to Saipan, Okinawa, and later to Kawasaki, Japan as part of the 43rd Engineer Construction Battalion, Company B. He supervised and assisted a crew of eight truck drivers and gravel spreader operators in the construction of air strips.

Upon his return home in December, 1946, Ray went to and graduated from Deforest Engineering Training Institute in Chicago, Illinois with a degree in advanced electronics and design. After he completed his education in 1949, he was hired as a Service Technician for Marvins Television in Middletown. In the early 1950’s, a good friend arranged a double date and he met Barbara Duckett who became his beloved wife in June, 1952.

One evening, a knock on the door changed the direction of his life when he was presented with an opportunity to work for State Farm. The gentleman, Don Truesdell, a State Farm Manager, had received his name through Rev. Schultz of the United Presbyterian Church. This was the church Barbara and Ray were married. Ray was familiar with the insurance company because they were a sponsor of Prize Fights with announcer Red Barber on television and radio. Ray began his State Farm career in April 1954.

Ray served an amazing and distinguished 32-year career with State Farm as an agent and agency manager. Over the years he received many awards for outstanding performance and was recognized in Who’s Who Ohio Men of Distinction many times. Ray was honored to be in the President’s Club numerous times leading to being a Life Member of the President’s Club. In 1961 Ray was promoted to an agency manager. His agency, known as The Craftsmen, continued to achieve at the highest level. Due to his genuine love of people and his engaging personality, Ray and Barbara enjoyed many lasting friendships with State Farm couples and their families.

Ray and Barbara enjoyed traveling near and a far, formal dances, playing golf and bridge, as well as entertaining family and friends. Winters spent in Florida with new friends and adventures was a special delight. Community service was always a large part of Ray’s life, volunteering many hours of service for the Salvation Army, United Way, the Red Cross, The American Legion and his local church, First Presbyterian of Middletown. He was a charter member and past president of the Middletown Exchange Club. The Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio honored Ray for 70 years of service as a member of Middletown Chapter No. 87. He was also a member of the Jefferson #90 Masonic Lodge. He was a founding member of St Luke's Church and member of First Presbyterian Church for 60 years.

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He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara (Duckett) of 68 years; parents, James and Iva (Lewis) Craycraft; siblings and their respective spouses, Douglas Lewis Craycraft (Dorothy), Janet Marie Craig (Robert), and Mary Louise Long (Donald Ralph).

Mourning his loss are daughters, Linda Rudolph (Tim) and Phyllis Ernst (Charles); grandchildren, Andrea Harvey (Joseph), Charles Ernst (Jessica), and Max Rudolph; great grandchildren, Kendall Harvey, Dylan Harvey, Madelaine Ernst, and Lucy Ernst; nieces and nephews, David Craycraft (Chong Suk), Deborah Uttinger (Victor), Donald Craycraft, Toni Craig, Steve Craig, Cheryl Long, Robin Long White (Dale), Duane Long, Stephanie Long Greenham, Rhonda Long Flory (Michael), Rachel Long Craft (Jay), and Amy Long Barnes (Roger).

In closing, our deep love and appreciation is endless for our dad and friend Ray. Ray was a man of deep faith, eternal optimist, and a kind soul. He spoke of life’s difficult times as a chapter in a book. He would say, there are so many more chapters to be written about our story to define each of us. Always in God’s time and will.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home with Funeral Service and reception to follow at 11:00 am.

Please sign the guestbook at WilsonSchrammSpaulding.com