Reuben Ray Hanshew, Sr. March 22, 1936 – December 23, 2017 San Diego Reuben “Ray” Hanshew Sr., 81, of San Diego, California, lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by his loving wife and daughter on Saturday, December 23, 2017. Ray was born March 22, 1936 in the small town of Harmony, Arkansas to Annie Neal and his stepfather William White. He was one of nine children, five boys and four girls. He spent his early years on farms in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Ray always looked forward to hog-killing time, which meant there would be tenderloin and sage sausage. From his humble beginnings, Ray was determined to move on to a better life. Just out of high school, Ray joined the United States Navy. He began his Navy career in 1953 and served with his brother Bill on the USS Jason for a short stint, then was assigned to Sasebo, Japan. He then was assigned to Naval Training Center, San Diego, where he met E. Mary Harkins who was also in the Navy. Ray and Mary were married at NTC Chapel in 1957. Their daughter Mary Denise was born in 1959. After buying their first home in October 1959, they were transferred to Taipei, Taiwan for three years. They made many lifelong friends on this tour of duty. The family moved back to San Diego at the end of the tour in Taiwan and their son Reuben Ray, Jr. was born in 1964, now deceased. Ray started taking college courses at night in Hawaii while still in the Navy. After a final tour of duty in Hawaii, Ray retired from the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer at age 35 in 1971. Upon returning to San Diego he attended San Diego State College (now University). In June of 1974 he received his Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential. He started teaching Kindergarten and First Grade in September of that year. While he was teaching, he completed a Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University and received an Administration Credential from Point Loma College. He retired from teaching after 30 years at the San Diego Unified School District. Ray was a committed family man. His first concern in life was to make sure his family had all their needs met. He was always upbeat and loved to joke around with his large circle of friends. He stayed in contact with many of them over the years and was genuinely interested in their lives. He is survived by his wife E. Mary Hanshew, daughter Mary (Dede) Chapin, son-in-law Mike Chapin, granddaughter Dana Chapin; his siblings Bill White, Bob White, Jean Beatty, Coleta Christmas, Jim White, Larry White, Teresa Larrison, and Debbie Holt. A Celebration of Life and Graveside Committal Service will be held Monday January 29, 2018 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122 at 11:30 a.m. Guests should arrive no later than 11 a.m. at the cemetery. We are comforted knowing that Reuben Ray Sr. knows who Reuben Ray Sr. is again and is saying “Hey Babe” to all and greeting them with a smile!
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