Ray Edward Moon

On December 28, 1924, Ray Edward Moon was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2017 in Winter Park, Florida. During his childhood, Ray lived in New York City, Washington, D.C., Wilmette, Illinois and Summit, NJ, where he graduated fro Summit High School with the Class of 1942.

While home for Christmas from The Citadel in Charleston, SC, he enlisted in the U.S. Army on his eighteenth birthday. On June 6, 1944 at nineteen years of age, Ray and thousands of other young Americans in the 29th Infantry Division, landed on the shores of Omaha Beach, Bloody Omaha as it was called. Months later Ray was severely wounded in Germany and was returned to the Unites States for healing and rehabilitation. Later, Ray returned to The Citadel and the U. S. Army, retiring with the rank of Major.

Ray was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, the Combat Infantryman's badge and in December 2013, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor by the French Government.

Ray was a life long learner. From the time he was a child he loved sports, music, ballet, the theater, and visiting museums. He was an avid reader, concentrating on history and other non-fiction genre. He and his wife, Diane, traveled extensively, spending four to six weeks many, many summers in Europe. France was especially important to them as they developed many wonderful life long friendships in Normandy and Brittany. In June 2010, Ray laid wreaths at 29th Infantry Division monuments in St. Lo, Percy, Vire, Isigney and Vierville. Memorial services were held in each town followed by receptions in Ray's honor.

Ray was a very kind and generous man. He was a man of great faith. Being a Roman Catholic from birth, he loved his Lord and his church.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, James E. and Jeanne George Moon, his birth father Ray E. Peek, who died when Ray was six months old and his baby sister, Jeanne Peek. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Diane Cleland Moon, the love of his life. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Cleland Hamlin, nephews Richard Hamlin (Lorrie) of Tampa and Stephen Hamlin (Marisol) of Jacksonville, great nephew Carter Hamlin and great nieces Zoe Hamlin and Elizabeth Hamlin.

Graveside services with military honors will be Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 11 am at Greenwood Cemetery, 1603 Greenwood Street, Orlando, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Orlando Union Rescue Mission or Russell Home for Atypical Children in memory of Ray Edward Moon.