Raymond "Ray" C. Whitely

Raymond C. “Ray” Whitely, age 89, passed away peacefully, November 7, 2025, at his residence at Vista Springs Quail Highlands in Concord Township.  He was born January 20, 1936, in Painesville to Chester J. Whitely and Helen (Critchet) Whitely.

Ray was a member of the YMCA where you could find him playing basketball at 5:00 AM most mornings.  Ray and Thelma attended Calvary Fellowship Church in Painesville.

Ray worked for Lockie Lee/Dairymen’s Milk Company for many years.  He also worked at the Riverside Field House, where he loved meeting his friends and playing basketball.  Ray was a very social person and always enjoyed being with others. Ray loved traveling.  He especially enjoyed the trips to Boston to visit his family.  They were a very special part of his life.  They shared a lot of laughs and good times; he so enjoyed following his nieces and nephews in all their sporting events. He will truly be missed by all his family members and friends.

Ray was preceded death by his wife, Thelma (Maier) Whitely in 2021; his parents, Helen and Chester; brother, William Whitely; and sisters, Carol Gebeau and Marilyn Rogers.

He is survived by his sister Ann Tuomi of Boston and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and Family are welcome to join us for a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery, 385 Riverside Drive, Painesville, on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 12:00 Noon. 

The family would like to thank the amazing staff of Vista Springs and Hospice of the Western Reserve, who took such great care of Ray.

Donations in Ray’s name may be sent to Hospice of The Western Reserve, P. O. Box 72700, Cleveland, Ohio 44192.

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