Obituary of Raymond Elmer Coons

Born November 4, 1928, Raymond E. Coons, passed into eternal patrol on October 3, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife Lois; and eldest son, Richard Coons 12 years earlier and is survived by his daughter, Susan Begley (Jim Begley); son, Steven Coons (Tina Coons); daughter-in-law Jane Coons; along with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ray joined the Navy soon after his high school graduation and quickly moved through the ranks becoming a Navy Instructor. It was here that Ray was approached to consider nuclear submarine duty, which began his love for the sea, his shipmates, and his country. During his Navy career, Ray qualified for submarines (6/1/62) and served on both the USS Scorpion SSN 589 and USS Haddo SSN 604. He received several commendations during this time as follows: 1962 GÇô GÇ£For exceptionally meritorious service . . . during difficult and hazardous independent submarine operations . . .GÇ¥; United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal (4th & 5th). After retiring from the Navy, Ray settled his family in Jamestown, Rhode Island and worked as a Nuclear Reactor Operator until retiring in 1988 when he and Lois moved to Florida. Family was always important to Ray as demonstrated, not only through the loving memories of his family but also through his involvement in the communities he resided, some of which follows: He was a little league coach for Jamestown; the head and coach of the youth bowling league of South Kingston, RI; and served with Lois as senior advisers of the Youth Fellowship as well as a vestry member at St. MatthewGÇÖs Episcopal Church. In addition, Ray was actively involved while living in Jamestown, serving as Commissioner of Wrecks and Ship-Wrecked (May 1971 GÇô 1073); Motion Picture Operator of the local Theater; he served as President, and along with his wife Lois were instrumental in initiating the Jamestown Family Days. During his life in Florida, Ray dedicated his services as an active member of the Snug Harbor Submarine Vets, (most recently as treasurer), avid bowler on 2 leagues (Shore Lanes) and a golfer (Melbourne Golf Course), as well as assisting the golf league as President of MMGA for 10 years and most recently serving as scorer and handicap chairman. Ray was a loving, dedicated husband and father, devoted to his family and friends. He was a patient and caring friend to many and will always be remembered for taking the time to really listen and talk with those around him. He was a man of integrity and generosity with a strong and quiet faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He enjoyed traditional country music, crime novels, and loved bowling, golf, and fishing, all of which he actively shared with his family. SAILOR REST YOUR OARS A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 11:00 am at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 South Hickory Street, Melbourne, Florida 32901 (321) 724-2222. Raymond will be buried in the family resting place of Jamestown, Rhode Island in Cedar Cemetery along side his wife, Lois and his father and mother in-law, Walter and Mildred Thierfelder. A memorial service at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, the familyGÇÖs place of worship while in Jamestown, will be held prior to the burial, on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00 am.In lieu of flowers, you can make donations to Kidney Foundation or Snug Harbor USSVI Scholarship. Information will be available at the service.