BELLVILLE: Ray Clements was a storyteller. Life was his inspiration, and the way he could “spin a yarn, funny and wonderful” was his way of connecting with others with a great and lasting gift.
Raymonda O. “Ray” Clements went to be with the Lord Thursday evening, July 28, 2016 from his rural Bellville home, surrounded by his family. He was 92.
Born October 1, 1923 in Ontario, he was graduated from Ontario High School and proudly served as a tail gunner with the US Army Air Force during World War II, and later with the US Air Force.
Stationed in Georgia, while attending dances, a friend introduced him to a beautiful young lady. Ray was smitten! And he and Barbara Coward were later married on June 11, 1950.
Ray worked as a tire builder at Mansfield Tire, over 29 years until they closed, and then accepted a position with Therm-O-Disc where he worked until retiring.
In spare time, he took pleasure in wood-working, he could take a picture of anything and build it from wood. He enjoyed tinkering with small motors, building model airplanes – even flew an ultralight for a while -and he loved to read even to the point that he couldn’t put the book down till he was finished. But above all, Ray cherished his family, was faithful to them in every way and will be remembered as a stellar father, always available, who gave the best the hugs!
That treasured family includes his loving wife of 66 years Barb Clements; daughters Donna Marie (David) Owen and Melanie (Bob) Gilbert; grandchildren Matthew Owen, Amanda Owen, Jim (Laura) Gilbert and Kristine (Andrew) Nichols; and four great-grandchildren.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Eugene & Ruth (Wise) Clements.
The Clements family will receive friends Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Ray’s life will be held Monday August 1, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Gene Witzky officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park, where American Legion Post #535 will hold graveside military honors.
Contributions in Ray’s memory to Woodville Grace Brethren Church or Hospice of North Central Ohio may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Ray’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them -or to watch his tribute video- at http://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/raymonda-o-clements/
