Raymond Douglas Eddy, 86, went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 16, 2018, at his home in McKinney, Texas, surrounded by family. He was born in Beaumont, Texas on December 18, 1931 to Ira and Mary Belle Eddy. Raymond grew up in Beaumont, graduating from South Park High School in 1949 and Lamar University in 1953. After graduation, he moved to Freeport, Texas, and began working as a research chemist at Dow Chemical. He met his wife, Anita, at First Baptist Church in Freeport; where he later served as a deacon and in many teaching and leadership positions. Raymond and Anita married February 26, 1955 and celebrated 58 years together before her death in 2013. Raymond worked at Dow from 1953 until 1985, when he took early retirement. He then worked at Rhône-Poulenc (now Rhodia) a French chemical company in Freeport, from 1987 to 1998, before retiring for a second time. Raymond also volunteered several nights a week at the Seaman’s Center (now The Port Ministry), from its beginning in 1974. He invested a great deal of time in caring for sailors from all over the world. He served, helped and encouraged many people in this way until he and Anita moved away in 2001. That year, Raymond and Anita relocated to McKinney, Texas to live near their oldest son and his family. They joined First Baptist Church, McKinney and served for many years.
If you needed a math question answered, help with science homework, a magician to entertain and amaze, a fluffy stack of buttermilk pancakes, or help with construction and home repair projects—Raymond was your man! He always had information to share about family genealogy, maintained an impressive stamp and coin collection, and enjoyed amusing others with countless silly jokes and funny songs.
He loved God, his family, his church, greeting churchgoers at “his door” at First Baptist McKinney, playing “Hand and Foot” at the McKinney Senior Recreation Center, watching Gunsmoke and The Andy Griffith Show and eating Blue Bell ice cream.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, (Roshia) Anita Gafner Eddy. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Mary Belle Eddy; his brothers Kenneth Eddy and Curtis Eddy and his sister, Mary Lou Wiley Hesterly.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Kathy Eddy of McKinney, Texas; his son, Eric Eddy of Chicago, Illinois, and his daughter and son-in-law Laura and Jeff Lanningham of Rockport, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer and Travis Least of Flower Mound, Texas; Rebecca and Justin Thomas of Dallas, Texas; Brian Eddy of Houston, Texas; Meredith Lanningham of Waco, Texas and Drew Lanningham of Rockport, Texas and his great grandson, Calvin Thomas. In addition, he was the beloved uncle of Amanda Thompson of Los Angeles, Karen Gunn (John) of Brenham, Meg Wiley, Wayne Eddy (Liz) of Nashville, Linda Eddy and Keith Eddy of Beaumont.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 18 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow, 2525 Central Expy North, Allen, TX. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Baptist Church, 1615 W. Louisiana St., McKinney, Texas at 10:00 am on Monday, March 19, 2018. Burial will follow at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney. It is the family’s desire that everyone attending the service join them in wearing bright colors as we celebrate Raymond’s life.
Memorials can be made in Raymond’s name to the First Baptist Church Memorial Education Scholarship Fund, 1615 W. Louisiana St., McKinney, Texas, 75069 or Texas Port Ministry, 1103 Cherry St., Freeport, Texas, 77541.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Monte Jones and his staff at Texas Oncology, Mary Gilliam and her staff at Monarch Senior Solutions, and VNA Hospice for their wonderful, compassionate care.