Ray Day

After his birth in Chicago, Illinois on March 22, 1932, Ray’s family moved to Los Angeles, where he spent his childhood. He attended El Camino Community college where he played football and caught the eye of a scout for Wichita State University. He played football and baseball on scholarship for WSU and graduated with a degree in math and chemistry. He enlisted in the US Army upon graduation. It was at WSU where he met Jean, his soul mate and wife of 70 years. Together, they enjoyed Ray’s 20year Army career. Early on, he was sent to the University of Arizona where he received his master’s degree in engineering. Other tours of duty included various states, Alaska, Germany, and Kwajalein (in the Marshall Islands). His last assignment was as a US liaison to a part of NATO in Luxembourg. Always the life-long learner, he was constantly adding professional initials behind his name and attaining certifications which opened up many professional opportunities. After retiring from the military as a Lt. Col., he stayed on with NATO in Luxembourg for a few years. Upon returning to the States, he was a project manager for team that designed a computer simulation for Desert Storm, and later, he was a US representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna. He and Jean spent most of their retirement years in Sarasota, Florida. When they weren’t traveling the world, they enjoyed kayaking and sailing in Sarasota Bay, looking for turtle nests on the beach, and socializing with their friends from the Military Officers’ Association of Sarasota. Ray was a man of all seasons. His hobbies and interests included woodcarving, Bonsai, cooking, reading history and the Wall Street Journal, and enjoying the symphony and theater. He valued his family, friends, and country. His life was full with no regrets. Ray died on October 7, 2024 from congestive heart failure. He is survived by his daughter Tammy Kraus; his grandson Nathan Kraus; his grandson Daniel Kraus and wife Colleen; and his daughter-in-law Jodi Day. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00am, at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 40 N Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Fl 34236. In lieu of flowers, Ray would like to encourage you to donate to your favorite charity. To view the obituary for Jean Day, type her name in the search bar. Eulogy given for Ray Day by his daughter Tammy Kraus 11/09/2024 Dear Dad, I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore—I still feel your presence and see your influence in my life every day. You were a man of integrity with so many good qualities; throughout my life, you were a gentle and encouraging leader who modeled generosity and life-long learning with humor. John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Dad, you did all of that for me and for those whom you cared about. You infused me with support and confidence to try new things; indeed, your life was a series of trying new things. You were self-taught in so many ways. I think you loved the research as much as you loved the final outcome. You taught yourself how to put in a skylight, how to tile a porch, how to make our kalichi-ridden yard in El Paso become the most verdant lawn on the block, how to carve wood (all who have seen your carvings are amazed), and how to cook (your chili is tops… thanks for passing on the secret recipe to Nathan). Dad, often when I think of you, I see you reading the Wall Street Journal or a book—usually history. You were an avid reader and delved into many topics beyond the usual fare – a true life-long learner. The amazing thing is that you could remember most of what you read! Your reading and recall made you a terrific conversationalist. I watched as you engaged with people about diverse topics and drew them out by asking intelligent questions. A true leader—taking an interest in others’ lives and letting them shine and show their knowledge. You drew others out in your professional career, too. I’m aware that, in your post-Army career, you had a cadre of programmers that followed you from company to company. What a testament to your leadership skills. The Europeans you worked with in Luxembourg and Vienna also respected and enjoyed you…especially the Fourth of July party where you introduced them to finger food at the “Alamo” Table—a table with queso, bean dip, and chips. There was definitely a cultural barrier to cross. The men loved the finger food, but the women kept trying to eat their chips and dip with a fork. You also offered your leadership to your Sarasota friends by planning many kayak trips, day trips, and weekend trips. No matter what you planned, you’d go the extra mile. Dad, I remember at my wedding, you created a booklet for each family member with the weekend’s itinerary and a blurb about Houston. Since, all the family stayed in the same hotel, you also planned a putting contest in the hallway. You loved to plan things. I have learned from your example and often find myself planning outings for my friends. Thanks for teaching me how to have a good time. You set the example of leaving things better than you found them. When you first moved to Sarasota, it was not enough to retire and enjoy your beautiful home. You were forward-thinking and worked with the HOA to plant 16 saplings by the retention ponds. You babied them by watering them and fertilizing them until they were established. Today, they are tall, healthy trees that offer shade and homes to the wildlife. You were also a patient teacher (a great quality for a leader to have). You taught me so many things, both directly and indirectly. My favorite teaching moment happened when I was a junior in high school. My trig class was giving me fits. You sat down with me and gave me a 45-minute overview of the principles of trig that made so much sense that my grade went from a C to an A. One of the most precious gifts you have given me is the ability to find humor in situations and to not take myself too seriously. I remember times when you and I would get to pun slinging and Mom would just roll her eyes and sigh. You can rest in peace knowing that this life skill is a big part of my life and that your grandsons can also serve up good puns. And you were a great gift giver. You delighted in surprising Mom with wonderful and unexpected gifts. Recently, when Queen Elizabeth died, an article mentioned her favorite perfume. You felt like your precious Jeannie should have a perfume fit for a queen, so you visited the unfamiliar territory of the perfume counter at a department store to inquire. The gal was no help, since it was out of production. Undeterred, you went to a different store. Although they didn’t have the desired perfume, the gal there helped you locate a bottle. It was in the Azores. You figured out a way to purchase it. You go the extra mile for those you love. You loved well and consistently. They say that daughters have their dads wrapped around their little fingers, but I think you had me wrapped around yours… I’d do anything to please you so that I could see the twinkle of pride and joy in your eyes. From all of us—family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, Thank you for your gentle, supportive leadership and friendship. You are one of a kind.

Tributes

Ray Day

March 22, 1932 - October 7, 2024