Celebrating the life of
MSGT. Raymond F. Boyden, Jr.
May 30, 1941 - March 21, 2015
Bear, Bones, Curly, Vati, Opa, Mr. B, Big Daddy, Dad, or Pop
MSGT. Raymond F. Boyden, Jr., 73 yrs., 9 mos., and 21 days, of Savannah, Georgia, USAF retired, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, of complications following a stroke. Ray (aka Bear, Bones, Curly, Vati, Opa, Mr. B, Big Daddy, Dad, or Pop) was born in Florence Crittenton Hospital on 30 May 1941, at 11:28 AM, in Detroit, Michigan to Raymond F. Boyden, Sr. and Harriet L. Deibel. He spent his early years in Detroit and attended Kindergarten there about 1945/46. In January 1947 the family moved to Columbus, Ohio where Ray attended sundry elementary schools, among them Holy Rosary elementary school (Columbus, OH) and Christ the King. By August 1949, the family had relocated to Junction City, Ohio where he finished elementary school at Junction City Elementary in June 1955. At the beginning of his high school career, Ray thought of becoming a priest and attended the minor seminary at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in southern Indiana but left in Oct 1957. Ray graduated from Holy Trinity High School (Somerset, Ohio) in June 1959.
Shortly after high school graduation, on 03 Dec 1959, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force. In March 1960, he went to the Russian Language School at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. He then trained with the 6944th Student Squadron to become a Linguist- Voice Intercept Processing Specialist (AFSC 20351-MA-MJ) at Goodfellow AFB, Texas. By April 1961 he was serving with the 6980th Radio Squadron Mobile (USAFSS) in Northeast Cape, Alaska. In April 1962, Ray studied German at the German Language School at Syracuse University, NY before being sent to his first overseas duty station to serve with the 6915th Radio Squadron Mobile (USAFSS) at Hof Air Station in Oberfranken, Germany. After a short stint stateside with the Ohio ANG as a Small Arms Instructor and studies at Ohio State University, Ray went back to Hof Air Station in June 1966 as a Russian/German Linguist with the 2915th Security Group. He met his future wife, Roswitha, in Stammbach; they were wed 12 Jan 1968 in Stammbach. In March 1968, he went on with his new bride to serve with 7473rd Combat Support Group (USAFE) at Morón AB in Andalusia, Spain as Small Arms Combat Instructor (AFSC 75330). Between 1970 and 1978, Ray had 3 more stateside duty stations before returning to Germany on last time: Wright-Patterson AFB, Tinker AFB, OK, and at Robins AFB, GA. He served the rest of his Air Force career in West Germany, and returned to Ohio after he retired from active duty in the mid-1980’s.
For nearly half a century, Ray served his country as a Russian/German Linguist- Voice Intercept Process Specialist and Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Technician/Superintendent in the US Air Force; with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (Firearms Division) he was the firearms and ammunition coordinator; and with the 1st Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, he served for 20 years as their gunsmith. He was trained at Barrett and several other schools and factories, including FN-Columbia, SC, Remington, S&W, Ruger, Beretta, H&K (Germany), Carl Gustav (Sweden). He also was the lead Army civilian gunsmith for many weapons, initially used only by the Army Rangers, but are now used universally in the US Armed Forces. Ray was also the author of many military TM/TO's (Army Tech Manual/ Air Force Tech Order) and a contributor on many civilian books and articles. He was highly knowledgeable about, and an expert on, several classes of civilian and military weapons/firearms, having spent the past 56+ years working in gunsmithing and firearms use.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Paul Boyden and Michael Boyden; sister, Scholastica ; grandson, Raymond S. Schulz; brothers-in-law, Glenn Thorne, Eddie Ransome Hall, Robert Stough, Günter Jork, and Wolfgang Jork; mother-in-law, Hedwig (nee Gebauer) Urbanek; father-in-law, Richard K. Jork.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Roswitha (nee Gebauer) Boyden; son Frederick (Roxana) Boyden; his daughters, Barbara (Matthew) Bishop and Veronica Boyden; grandchildren, Ella, William, and Freyja Boyden; Isabella and Matthew Bishop, and Evan and Emma Schultz; brothers, Daniel (Sharon), David (Millie), John (Judy), Stephen (Sheree), and Thomas; sisters, Anne (Francis) Brown, Mary (Dick) Saegert, Patricia Thorne, Catherine (Dean) Dickson, Julia Stough, and Elizabeth Boyden; brother-in-Law, Werner (Crystal) Urbanek; sisters-in-Law, Irmgard (nee Jork) Large, Karin (nee Buß) Jork, Pirom (nee Panchana) Boyden, Jewel (nee Howard) Boyden; uncles, Joseph (Norma) Deibel, Jr., David Deibel, Sr., Stephen (Mary) Deibel, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Ray was a deeply faithful man and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church since moving to the Savannah area in the fall of 1988. He was very active in the church and served as lector and sang in the contemporary choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus; a life-long supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he served as Scout Master of Troop 219 in Darien, GA; he was an avid reader, a lover of music of almost all genres, and played the drums in his youth. He had a great love of knowledge and learning and was always striving to do so. He attended Armstrong State College and studied English. He also spoke many languages fluently including German, Russian, and French. He had a good working knowledge of Latin - albeit dead, as well as Spanish and Italian; he loved studying languages and began to learn Irish Gaelic as hobby, too. Ray loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter/fisherman, and cherished all things in nature. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and many other groups and organizations too numerous to list. Ray was a “foodie”, loved to cook – and was awesome at it, and enjoyed cuisine from around the world.
The memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2015 at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church with Father Gabe Cummings Celebrant. A reception will be held immediately following in the church parish hall.
Remembrances: St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School Scholarship Fund, 11500 Middleground Rd., Savannah, GA 31419.
My sincerest condolences to family, loved ones and cherished friends! I am so very sad to hear and learn of my dear friend and brother passing away. Ray will always be remembered and never forgotten ~ RLTW!
- Brendan "Duke" Durkan , Fayetteville , NC
Share your condolences with the family
- Brendan "Duke" Durkan , Fayetteville , NC
Mr. Boyden was a asset to the 1st Ranger Battalion, a great armorer & a really nice guy.
- James M. Thomson, Savannah, Georgia
Sorry to hear about Ray. He was a high school classmate of mine at Holy Trinity. He made me a better student by being competitive with me in the classes. I often wondered what happened to him although I did run into him over the Christmas holidays (I believe January 1, 1965 in Columbus when I was home) but we both did not have time to exchange much information. You have my sympathy. I will mention this at our next class reunion.
- Jack Probasco, Columbus, Ohio
Though I don't think I knew Raymond, I certainly recognized numerous Boydens listed in the obituary, some former students and colleagues. I also remember well Raymond and Harriet and the Holy Rosary connection. He certainly had a stellar list of accomplishments. Be assured of my prayers and sympathy.
- Carma Jean Rausch, New Lexington, OH
Julie, My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of family an friends comfort you during this difficult time.
- Mary Terrance, Euclid, Ohio
Sorry to hear of your loss.
- Heidi (Sites) Limbert, Baltimore, OH
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. Ray was a true gentleman and we will never forget him. God bless all who love him.
- David and Stacie Court, Athens, GA
Aunt Rose, Fred, Barbara and Veronica, all our prayers and love go out to you during this difficult time.
- Michele and Ryan Saegert, New Lexington, OH
Aunt Rose, Fred, Barbara and Veronica, all our prayers and love go out to you during this difficult time.
- Michele and Ryan Saegert, New Lexington, OH
I am from Zanesville ohio, I worked with Ray in the 1/75th Ranger Battalion. I never knew we were from the same place. Rest in Peace my Friend!
- Ray Christian, Pitkin , LA
So sorry to hear of Ray passing. He was such a warm and wonderful man. So ready to help all of us at St.Frances Cabrini parish. He will be missed. Love and prayers for his friends and family. Mary Jo Adams
- Mary Jo Adams, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ray served the men of the 1st Ranger Bn well!
- Mike, Eden, UT
Sir, you will be missed. You were a great Father, Opa,and Husband to Mom. Rest in peace,you will truly be missed. I look forward to seeing you again one day.
- Will Caswell and Family, Savannah, Ga
Rest in Peace Ray. You were the best Best Man an Airman could have in Germany. I will never forget your kindness. Our sincere condolences to you Rosewitha.
- Pete & Inge Studer, Lenoir City, TN
My condolences to you for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ray as an armorer in the 1/75th. He will be greatly missed. The world has loss a great man.
- Fred Slayton, Eau Claire , WI
Julie, to you and your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am sure your brother is happy in the kingdom of heaven. Jim and Terri
- Jim & Terri Gallagher, Solon, Ohio
My Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Ellen Thrasher
- Ellen Thrasher, Cleveland , OH - Ohio
Be strong always and draw your strength from the Lord. My deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Heidi & Jim Conny, Brunswick, OH
HELLO TO THE BOYDEN FAMILY, YOU ALL HAVE MY DEEPIEST SYMPATHY. MY HEART REALLY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND BLESS YOU ALL. SINCERELY, ALISA (JULIA'S ASSISTANT)
- alisa clifton, cleveland , ohio
To my dear family in Savannah! My heart breaks for you all and may our dear Lord shower you with his comfort and love at this very difficult time. I will miss my big brother and he will always hold a special place in my heart. You know he was the only one who really called me "Julia" and I always thought it was so endearing. I love you all! Aunt Julie
- Julia"Jules" Stough, Strongsville, oh
I am so sorry for your loss! So thankful I had the opportunity to care for him in the hospital.Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!!!
- Valerie Exley Brown, RichmondHill, Ga
Your entire extended family in Chicago is thinking of you! Don't forget that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and should anyone need anything, we are just a phone call away. "Big Daddy Ray", you will surely be missed!
- The Auten & Szczeblewski Families , Woodridge, IL
Aunt Rose, Fred,Barbara andVeronica, Our love and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
- Terry & Diane Boyden family, Grove City, , OH
RIP Uncle Ray! You will be greatly missed! Sending all of my love and prayers to the family!!!!
- Keith and Anita (Saegert) Proctor, Shawnee, OH
so sorry, love you!
- Elender Jahde, Savannah, GA
We all have lost a great friend and family member. He has gone on and we will meet him again in the future.
- SFC(R) Roy and Mrs Tyner, Ludowici, GA
My deepest condolence to the Boyden family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may " Mr. B's" sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.
- Tommi Murphy, Sneads Ferry, NC
My sincerest condolences to family, loved ones and cherished friends! I am so very sad to hear and learn of my dear friend and brother passing away. Ray will always be remembered and never forgotten ~ RLTW!
- Brendan "Duke" Durkan , Fayetteville , NC
Share your condolences with the family
- Brendan "Duke" Durkan , Fayetteville , NC
Mr. Boyden was a asset to the 1st Ranger Battalion, a great armorer & a really nice guy.
- James M. Thomson, Savannah, Georgia
Sorry to hear about Ray. He was a high school classmate of mine at Holy Trinity. He made me a better student by being competitive with me in the classes. I often wondered what happened to him although I did run into him over the Christmas holidays (I believe January 1, 1965 in Columbus when I was home) but we both did not have time to exchange much information. You have my sympathy. I will mention this at our next class reunion.
- Jack Probasco, Columbus, Ohio
Though I don't think I knew Raymond, I certainly recognized numerous Boydens listed in the obituary, some former students and colleagues. I also remember well Raymond and Harriet and the Holy Rosary connection. He certainly had a stellar list of accomplishments. Be assured of my prayers and sympathy.
- Carma Jean Rausch, New Lexington, OH
Julie, My deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of family an friends comfort you during this difficult time.
- Mary Terrance, Euclid, Ohio
Sorry to hear of your loss.
- Heidi (Sites) Limbert, Baltimore, OH
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. Ray was a true gentleman and we will never forget him. God bless all who love him.
- David and Stacie Court, Athens, GA
Aunt Rose, Fred, Barbara and Veronica, all our prayers and love go out to you during this difficult time.
- Michele and Ryan Saegert, New Lexington, OH
Aunt Rose, Fred, Barbara and Veronica, all our prayers and love go out to you during this difficult time.
- Michele and Ryan Saegert, New Lexington, OH
I am from Zanesville ohio, I worked with Ray in the 1/75th Ranger Battalion. I never knew we were from the same place. Rest in Peace my Friend!
- Ray Christian, Pitkin , LA
So sorry to hear of Ray passing. He was such a warm and wonderful man. So ready to help all of us at St.Frances Cabrini parish. He will be missed. Love and prayers for his friends and family. Mary Jo Adams
- Mary Jo Adams, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ray served the men of the 1st Ranger Bn well!
- Mike, Eden, UT
Sir, you will be missed. You were a great Father, Opa,and Husband to Mom. Rest in peace,you will truly be missed. I look forward to seeing you again one day.
- Will Caswell and Family, Savannah, Ga
Rest in Peace Ray. You were the best Best Man an Airman could have in Germany. I will never forget your kindness. Our sincere condolences to you Rosewitha.
- Pete & Inge Studer, Lenoir City, TN
My condolences to you for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ray as an armorer in the 1/75th. He will be greatly missed. The world has loss a great man.
- Fred Slayton, Eau Claire , WI
Julie, to you and your family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am sure your brother is happy in the kingdom of heaven. Jim and Terri
- Jim & Terri Gallagher, Solon, Ohio
My Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted. Ellen Thrasher
- Ellen Thrasher, Cleveland , OH - Ohio
Be strong always and draw your strength from the Lord. My deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Heidi & Jim Conny, Brunswick, OH
HELLO TO THE BOYDEN FAMILY, YOU ALL HAVE MY DEEPIEST SYMPATHY. MY HEART REALLY GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND BLESS YOU ALL. SINCERELY, ALISA (JULIA'S ASSISTANT)
- alisa clifton, cleveland , ohio
To my dear family in Savannah! My heart breaks for you all and may our dear Lord shower you with his comfort and love at this very difficult time. I will miss my big brother and he will always hold a special place in my heart. You know he was the only one who really called me "Julia" and I always thought it was so endearing. I love you all! Aunt Julie
- Julia"Jules" Stough, Strongsville, oh
I am so sorry for your loss! So thankful I had the opportunity to care for him in the hospital.Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!!!
- Valerie Exley Brown, RichmondHill, Ga
Your entire extended family in Chicago is thinking of you! Don't forget that you are all in our thoughts and prayers, and should anyone need anything, we are just a phone call away. "Big Daddy Ray", you will surely be missed!
- The Auten & Szczeblewski Families , Woodridge, IL
Aunt Rose, Fred,Barbara andVeronica, Our love and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.
- Terry & Diane Boyden family, Grove City, , OH
RIP Uncle Ray! You will be greatly missed! Sending all of my love and prayers to the family!!!!
- Keith and Anita (Saegert) Proctor, Shawnee, OH
so sorry, love you!
- Elender Jahde, Savannah, GA
We all have lost a great friend and family member. He has gone on and we will meet him again in the future.
- SFC(R) Roy and Mrs Tyner, Ludowici, GA
My deepest condolence to the Boyden family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more.(Rev. 21:4). Also during the days to come, may " Mr. B's" sweet memories fill your hearts with joy and peace.
- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.
When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.
- Tommi Murphy, Sneads Ferry, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
