CORINTH – Raymond went to heaven peacefully July 30, 2008, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family and special friends. He was born April 30, 1915, in Chapman, son of the late Charles “Melvin” and Ethel Frances (Briggs) McPherson. Raymond attended Coyne Electrical School, Chicago. He was also in the U.S. Army. Before moving to Corinth, he and his wife, Madeline, owned and operated a store and gas station in Chapman. They also raised potatoes, and he worked for Lane Construction. After moving to Corinth, Raymond was a successful dairy and poultry farmer for more than 30 years. As side jobs, he also worked at Dow Lumber Mill, Crane Brothers, Frank Everett and Bert Blanchard potato farms. Raymond and Madeline were married Nov. 1, 1941. They enjoyed their grandchildren, attending church, gardening and traveling, especially treasuring a memorable trip to California in 1979. After retiring from farming, he worked at Eastland Woolen Mill, Corinna, for 15 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed birdwatching, swinging on the porch, watching airplanes pass by and woodworking, making a variety of lawn ornaments for family and friends. Ray was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, his catchy sayings, storytelling and his ability to memorize poetry and several Bible verses. He spent hours studying and discussing Bible prophecy. His family was his pride and joy, and he enjoyed their visits and get-togethers. He was especially proud of the college education that he worked hard to provide for his children. Raymond faithfully attended Charleston Pentecostal Church since 1947, when he moved from Presque Isle to his farm in Corinth. He is remembered for being a Sunday school greeter for several years and for always wearing a bow tie to church. He served as a cemetery trustee for the Town of Corinth. Ray will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, his “sweetheart” Madeline (Moran) McPherson; his three daughters, Patricia Speed and her husband, Kenneth, of Garland, Sandra Doody and her husband, Forrest, of Corinth, and Gloria Westhrin and her husband, Scott, of Bangor; one son, Raymond McPherson Jr. and his wife, Joan, of Garland; seven grandchildren, Kenny Speed, Tricia Phillips, Raelene Parks, Angelene Amburg and Kandace, Thomas and Andrew McPherson; nine great-grandchildren, Jeremy and Zachary Phillips, Hunter, Colin, and Trevor Speed, Kalena, Kaelyn and Kiera Parks, and Logan McPherson. He also had a close great-niece, Brenda Cross of Brunswick; along with other nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by his parents; five sisters, Della McDonald, Thelma Dean, Ferne (Cook) Ellis, Beryl Estabrook and Crystal Pendexter; five brothers, Charles, Elwood, Forest, Perley and Harold. Friends are invited to visit the family 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Charleston Pentecostal Church, where a celebration of his life will be held 2 p.m. with Pastor Ronnie Libby and Pastor Matthew Ward officiating. Arrangements are by Thompson Funeral Home, Corinth. Those who wish may make donations in memory of Raymond McPherson to Souls Harbor Ministries or Safe Place Community Center, Corinth.
RAYMOND WALTER MCPHERSON SR.
