Raymond C. Neville

Raymond C. Neville, age 89, of Gulf Port, Florida and formerly of Toledo, Ohio died Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas Park Florida. He was born September 5, 1924 to Raymond C. and Bertha Mae (Roe) Neville, Sr. and on July 7, 1945 he married Barbara R. Gosda who passed away on January 2, 2013.

Ray was a graduate of Libbey High School; attended The University of Toledo and Case Western Reserve. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy where he served for 4 years as a transport pilot, Lieutenant JG, during World War II in the North and South Pacific Theaters. He remained active with his love for aviation for over 50 years. Following the war, Ray graduated in 1948 from the Cleveland College of Mortuary Science through the GI bill. He and his wife Barbara opened Neville Funeral Home and Ambulance Service in 1953. The business flourished and became a highly regarded part of the Reynolds Corners community. Recognizing a need in Holland, he opened up the Southwest Chapel on Airport Highway in 1974. He was a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for over 50 years and served as President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 1976. Ray, his wife Barbara and their four children were longtime members of Epiphany Lutheran Church. He was a 45 year member of the Adams Township American Legion Post # 553, and was also active in many local, civic and charitable organizations. Ray was an avid golfer playing courses around the country and was proud he made par on the very last hole before finally hanging up his golf clubs. He also enjoyed fishing and boating. Ray made his home in Florida with his daughter Linda for the last year of his life. His family would like to thank Linda and Ray’s niece, Sherrie Johnston for the loving and compassionate care provided for Ray this past year.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Linda L. Neville; sons, Gale R. (Molly) Neville and Kenneth A. Neville; grandchildren, Heidi Herbster, Randy Neville, Robin Hennessey; Carley and Thomas Grasberger as well as five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara R. Neville and his daughter, Janet E. Grasberger.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 7, 2014 from 2 to 8 pm at Neville Funeral Home, Southwest Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland (419-865-8879) where funeral services will be held, Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church.