Lee Ray Church, better known by his friends and loved ones as “Ray”, age 73, of Victoria, VA, formerly of Chesapeake, VA, passed away Monday, March 5, 2018. He was born June 14, 1944 in Norfolk, VA to the late Hurley Arthur Church and the late Laura Blanche Cox Church.
Ray served in the United States Navy for 20 years, 3 months, and 3 days and retired in 1983 as a Senior Chief Machinist Mate and “one hell of an engineer.” After his retirement, he continued to serve his country as a civilian Navy Contractor for an additional 24 years. He is a Freemason, a member of Norview Masonic Lodge #113, A.F. & A.M, of Virginia. He is also a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., 32°. Ray loved his Lord, his family, fishing, his tractor, and spending time outdoors by his pond.
He was predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Pete Church and Tom Church; two sisters, Joyce Land and Debbie Catlin; and best friend, Rufus Houston.
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Lynn Church, who was his “Oney” for 34 years. He is also survived by his loving son, Jared Lee Church and wife, Jasmyne of Chesapeake, VA; one brother, Larry E. Church Sr. and wife, Cathy; three sisters, Jan Vest, Barbara Hill, and Sandy Dix and husband, Mike; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Pamela Groover and brother-in-law, David Groover.
A graveside service with Masonic Rites and Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Chesapeake Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33608, www.shrinershospitals.org/Donate. Online condolences may be expressed at www.newcomballgoodfh.com. Newcomb Allgood Funeral Home in Chase City, VA will be handling the arrangements.