Raymond Waldo Wakefield, 90, of Southern Pines, passed peacefully at his home on Monday, February 15th.
Born in Chicago, IL, September 10, 1930, he was the son of the late Emerson and Jane Tillie Wakefield. He attended the University of Illinois. Now retired, Raymond was a registered professional engineer in North Carolina and Illinois. He had been a member of various Unitarian – Universalist Churches since 1952. In addition to holding trustee and presidential offices, he is the current treasurer of the church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Raymond is a past Governor for Toastmasters International District #54; past Lieutenant Governor for Toastmasters International District #30; past president of the North Carolina Society of Professional Engineers, Fayetteville area chapter; chairman of the State Environmental Committee for the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers; and a past president of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers, Bloomington area chapter. Ray’s hobbies include coin collecting, tennis, sailing, hiking and dancing (square, round, folk and ballroom).
Ray notes that the Wakefield family lived in North Carolina, Indiana, and then moved to Illinois in the 1850s. His great grandparents lived in Hayworth, Illinois, and are buried there.
Ray was the husband of Sheila Turner Wakefield. He was the father of Jim Malone, wife Jan, Michael Wakefield, wife Hazel, Heidi Wakefield Richardson, husband Lee, and Bonnie Wakefield Langdon, husband John. He is survived by his six grandchildren: Jesse Malone, Jamie Rivera, Ross and Ethan Wakefield, Athena Hollis and Alex Wakefield. Ray was the great grandfather of: Emma Rose, Aaron, Logan, Kinlee Mae, Riley and Wesley. He is preceded in death by his brothers Emerson Wakefield, Jr, Robert Wakefield and sister Jane Sadowski.
Ray’s family would to express their heartfelt gratitude to all the caring and compassionate nurses and staff at FirstHealth Hospice.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
