BREWER – Raymond G. “Ray” Parsons, a proud 89 years old, loving husband of the late Kaye (Hatfield) Parsons, passed away at the Ellen Leach Home on Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Ray was born on January 28, 1925 in the British Crown Colony of Newfoundland. He immigrated to the United States with his parents, Harry and Rose (Shute) Parsons and older sister, Eva Parsons in May of 1935.

Ray attended schools in Brewer, graduating from Brewer High School. He completed the Real Estate Brokerage Courses at the University of Maine. During World War II, he served in the Maine State Guard before entering the U.S. Navy in January 7, 1943. He served in the Pacific Theater on a submarine rescue ship. During the Korean War, Ray served with the U.S. Air Force in the 60th Fighter Squadron. Ray entered the construction business in the mid 1950s and started his own business, R.G. Parsons Builder in the late 50s. He built several houses in the Bangor/Brewer/Orrington area. At age 52, he took a position with the U.S.D.A. as a Construction Analyst, retiring at age 62. After retiring, Ray did Consulting and Design work with his last job being for Father Label on the interior restoration of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor. He was a former member of the Masons, Scottish Rite and Anah Shriners. Ray was a life member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and past commander of Post #4527. He also enjoyed his many hours of volunteering at Cole’s Transportation Museum.

Ray was predeceased by his loving wife, Kaye, his parents, Harry and Rose and older sister, Eva. He is survived by his loving children, Angela Dirksen and her husband Norman, Cynthia Lear and her husband, Alan and Mary Ellen Voisine and her husband, Michael. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Melissa Hixon and husband, Bill, Stephen Dirksen, Alex Lear and wife, Lauren, and Bill Voisine and wife, Anju. He is survived by three great grandchildren, Christian Denis, Donald Hixon, Will Hixon and his sister, Gladys Shumaker and husband, Paul as well as his very dear friend, Louise Goudreau.

A funeral service will be held 12 noon Monday, September 15, 2014 at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 55 South Main Street, Brewer with the Rev. Grace Bartlett, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Brewer officiating. Friends are welcome to call 11am until time of service Monday. The family also invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments in the Family Reception Rooms at the Brewer Chapel of Brookings-Smith immediately following the service Monday. Interment with military honors will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Brewer. Those who wish to remember Ray in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Shriners Hospital for Children, care of Anah Shrine Center, 586 Main Street, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.Brookings-Smith.com.

Affiliations