Obituary of Raymond W. Munson

Winthrop – Raymond W. Munson, 94, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013, surrounded by his family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Ray was born on December 15, 1918 in Winthrop, son of the late Fred and Edith (Gaddis) Munson. He attended Skinnerville District School and graduated from St. Lawrence Central School. In January 1941, he married Barbara E. Smithers in Potsdam, with whom he shared 46 years, prior to her passing on November 17, 1987. As a couple, they lived a life of strong family ties, many mutual friendships and the solidarity of their community. Ray served in the U. S. Army during WWII. After his discharge, Ray worked for Eastern as an inseminator and operated his own dairy farm, until he sold his cows in 1975. He worked for Clark Phippen Trucking and then went to work for St. Lawrence County Highway Department, retiring in 1989. Not one to be idle, Ray joined the circulation department at the Daily Courier Observer, making home deliveries for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #514 in Winthrop. He is survived by one son, Stephen of Winthrop; three daughters, Virginia Riggs of Naples, FL, Marilyn and Wendell Vice of Grain Valley, MO and Meribeth and Robert Patton of Millington, TN; nine grandchildren, Cheryl and Gary Grenier, Brian Riggs, Judi Vice, Cathy Hutchens, Janice Leehy, Melissa Munson, Melinda and Douglas Douglas, Marsha and Aaron Rushford and Ray Patton; one sister, Geraldine King of Dunedin, FL; 17 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren. One son, Michael predeceased him on December 15, 1992. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 6 followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering at 6 pm at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Burial will be in Winthrop Cemetery in Winthrop. Those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider donations in Ray’s memory to the American Legion Post#514, Honor Guard, Winthrop, NY 13697 or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Inc., 6805 US Hwy 11, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences can be share with Ray’s family at www.hammillfh.com.