Maness Joseph "Ray" Raymond, 84, of Jay, Maine, passed away on July 4, 2023, following a brief illness, surrounded by his girls who were honored to join his wife in providing his end of life care and who will forever cherish the hours spent with him in the weeks preceding his death. In the face of his illness, Ray pulled in his family for his support and care. He faced his death with a bravery and dignity that was inspiring. Early in his hospice care, Ray determined what he wanted at the end of his life, calling on the love and support of two of his grandchildren, Matthew and Jennifer Rooney, to get him to his final resting place and fulfill his wishes. Ray was born in Caribou, Maine, son of Minnie Gerard Raymond. He was one of eight children, who relocated from Caswell Plantation to Augusta, Maine for employment opportunities for the family when he was 3 years old. Ray attended schools in Chelsea and Augusta, Maine, and later attended Cony High School where he met his first wife and the mother of his 5 girls. At the age of 17 years, he entered the U.S. Army where he served during the Cold War and was stationed in Germany. Recently, Ray was recognized and awarded a medal for his service in the Cold War. Ray was a bricklayer by trade, who began his career as an apprentice working with H.P. Cummings after his service in the Army. Through his more than 4 decades with H.P. Cummings, Ray worked his way up to becoming a Superintendent for numerous high-profile projects. One of his favorite projects was the Woodstock Inn in Vermont. He also took great pride in his largest project which was the Acadia Hospital in Bangor, Maine. Throughout New England, Ray's skill and expertise can be seen in projects at Colby College, University of Vermont, Flynn Theater in Burlington, VT, Bates College, Kent Hill School, Bowdoin College, Maine General, Exeter Library, Cony High School, among many others. He was a brilliant visionary, able to see the potential in any project. Ray attributed his successful career to becoming an active member of the labor union and he took great pride in that association. Ray had an incredibly fulfilled retirement, creating a new life as an entrepreneur, building a horse farm with his spouse, managing multiple commercial properties, and providing support/mentoring to his grandchildren. More than anything, Ray wanted to ensure those he loved had the skills and knowledge to reach their full potential. In the weeks preceding his death, Ray was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from his wife, children, stepdaughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their partners, as well as extended family. People reflected upon the impact Ray had on their life and development, expressing gratitude for his life lessons. With his death, the world has lost a one-of-a-kind individual with the capacity to love more than most, give more than expected, and humbly never take credit. Despite his tough exterior, Ray was a lover of dogs, cats, and horses. He showed his ponies competitively over many years throughout New England. His horses and ponies now enjoy living out their lives on the farm that he built for them. His beloved dog, Pedro will miss him dearly. Ray is survived by his wife of 24 years Heather MacPhee. He is also survived by his immediate family to include Pamela Morin, Laurie Raymond, Tiffiny Rooney and her husband Robert, Sherry Watson and her husband Sean, and Shelly Day, his stepdaughter Lindsey Kendall and her husband Jacob. Ray is also survived by his grandchildren: Andrew, Nathan, Daniel, Rachel, Kevin, Matthew, Jennifer, Michelle, Chelsea, Tiffiny, Ashley, and Ethan and many great grandchildren. Ray has one surviving sibling, Dorothy Horne of Lebanon, NH. He has a large extended family throughout Maine and New Hampshire who will also miss him dearly. There will be a celebration of Ray's life with a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation of your choice in his honor. Each year on the 4th of July remember Ray when we celebrate our country's independence. Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com