Ray Samuel Crickenberger

Ray Samuel Crickenberger, 89, passed away peacefully in Tallahassee, Florida on November 3, 2020. He was born on April 28, 1931 in Waynesboro, Virginia, the youngest of eight children. A former Westminster Oaks resident, Ray most recently lived at St. Augustine Plantation. He is survived by his sisters Reba Patterson and Elizabeth Stephenson, his daughters Carol O’Cain (Steven) and Ralene Carroll (Tim Flynn), grandchildren Samuel and Daniel O’Cain, Jordan Carroll, Whitney Carroll Wolf (Jeffrey), great-grandchildren Douglas and Piper Wolf, sisters-in-law Pauline Miller and Emma Louise Grant, brother-in-law O.W. Gilbert, Jr., and many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his cherished wife of 20 years, Arlene, his parents, Joseph and Bertie Wiseman Crickenberger, brothers Carthon, Joe, and Harry Earl, sisters Virginia and Waltine, and son-in-law, Douglas Carroll.

A proud native of the Shenandoah Valley, Ray was educated in Augusta County, Virginia, graduating from Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville. He obtained Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Agricultural Economics from Virginia Technological University, Blacksburg, Virginia. Ray’s distinguished career spanning over 30 years was spent with the USDA Statistical Service in Virginia, Washington D.C., New Jersey and Florida, retiring as Deputy State Statistician in 1991, in Orlando.

In his quiet and unassuming way, Ray inspired all of us to be better people. With a true servant’s heart, he always put others first. Ray’s passion for the Lord was evident through diverse, lifelong service to the church, including post-retirement mission efforts in Nicaragua, Haiti, and the local jail system. A tireless volunteer and mentor, Ray was truly an advocate to alleviate hunger and homelessness. His sweet smile was contagious to everyone. In his “spare time,” he enjoyed supporting the Maitland Symphony Orchestra, reading, traveling, gardening and spending time with family on Sanibel Island. Ray demonstrated what it means to be a loving and faithful husband, son, brother, “Uncle Pete”, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We will miss our “Gonga” dearly and look forward to a sweet reunion in heaven.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Augustine Plantation, the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital CICU, Palliative Care Team, and Big Bend Hospice for their compassionate care.

A "Going Home' Celebration and Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26 at Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.. The Celebration may be viewed by livestream at www.facebook.com/HenryFuneral .

A private family graveside gathering will be at 9:30 a.m. in the church cemetery. Mark Clarke of Henry Funeral Home, Staunton, Va is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of the following are suggested: Lafayette Presbyterian Church or Second Harvest of the Big Bend (Tallahassee), Maitland Presbyterian Church or The Sharing Center (Longwood), Barren Ridge Church of the Brethren or Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (Virginia).