Raymond Abernethy, 91

Ray was born August 27, 1918 to David Arthur and Louise Maria Barbara, nee Wischhof, Abernethy in Williston, ND.  Soon after Ray’s birth, his parents returned to Tracy, MN, to be near family.  There Ray grew up and graduated from high school in 1936.  After the death of his father, Ray remained at home and for six years helped to support his mother and younger siblings.

On January 24, 1942, Ray enlisted in the Army Air Corps.  Eventually, he was stationed in Gulfport, MS, where he met and married Rosalie on February 12, 1945.  Soon after,  he was transferred to Hawaii.  Ray was discharged on January 10, 1946 from active duty and settled with Rosalie in Grandville, MI, where they began their family.  He picked up an earlier trade in the automotive industry.

Ray was recalled to the US Air Force in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and stationed at Selfridge AFB, Mt. Clemens, MI.  A year later he was transferred to Elmendorf AFB, Anchorage, AK, where he was promoted to Warrant Office in 1955.  In 1957, Ray was transferred to Langley AFB, Hampton, VA, where he was Chief, EDP Conversion Team #2, converting Air Force Base supply accounts to the Electronic Inventory Control Supply System.  He returned to Elmendorf in 1963, where he was promoted to Chief, Supply and Systems Branch, and Executive Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff/Material, Alaskan Air Command.  In 1967, Ray was sent to Viet Nam during the Tet Offensive.  A year later, he was assigned to Bolling AFB, Washington, DC, where he joined Data Systems Design Command (DSDC).  In 1971, Ray moved with DSDC to Gunter AFS, Montgomery, AL.  His final assignment in the Air Force was as Supplies management Officer at Maxwell AFB, Montgomery.  He retired on February 1, 1977 with 35 years of service, during which time he received several Commendation Medals and Meritorious Service Medals, along with the Bronze Star Medal for exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty.

From November 1977 to January 1986 Ray was employed by Max Federal Credit Union, Montgomery, when he retired.  In 1988, Ray and Rosalie accepted the invitation to move to California to be close to their son.

Ray passed away on December 28, 2009.

Throughout Ray’s life he was actively involved in the Lutheran Church.  Already at nine years old, he receive the “International Cross and Crown Certificate” for active and regular attendance in the Sunday School of Zion Ev Lutheran Church, Tracy, MN.  Ray was confirmed at the same church on June 24, 1934.  Over the years he was an active member and leader of Lutheran churches:  Hope, Grand Rapids, MI; Central, Anchorage, AK; Emmanuel, Hampton, VA; Bethany, Suitland, MD; Our Redeemer, Montgomery, AL; and Faith, Castro Valley, CA; where he loved and nurtured many in the love of God through Christ.