Raymond P.

Thek

Memorial Donations may be made to Okefenokee Friends

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond Peter Thek. Known affectionately as Ray, Dad, Pop, Dadio, Uncle Ray, Grandpa, The Georgia Bulldog, Big Ray, The Grouch, Coach, Airman Thek, and Mr. Thek.

He prospered in our realm for 85 years 320 days and took his final breath with two loving daughters at his side on March 18, 2023.

Dad was first and foremost a loving, dedicated, cherished father. Dadio overcame every obstacle to ensure the well being of his four children, affectionately nicknamed Spike, Iggy, Princess, and Moe (AKA Raymond Peter, William George, Ava Marie, and Amy Claire respectively).

Big Ray was a Master Tinkerer. There was nothing that he couldn't build or fix. Big Ray built and fixed cars, airplanes, houses, lawn mowers, pool tables, toy trains, napkin holders, coal burning stoves, tar pitch roofs and children's Easy Bake ovens.

Airman Thek proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1957. Airman Thek's military service began at the tender age of 18. Airman Thek remained a proud, patriotic supporter of the armed forces throughout his life, with an affinity for Revolutionary and Civil war history.

Coach spent several years coaching youth baseball at Sacred Heart Grade School in Glendale, NY. Coach created many great baseball memories and had positive influence on the young boys under his tutelage. Coach loved baseball and was an original New York Giants fan, his favorite player was Willie Mays, and then put his enthusiastic support behind the New York Mets.

Ray earned a living in the employ of Grumman Aerospace Corporation based at the company headquarters in Bethpage, New York. Ray's work was held in high esteem. Ray was an international traveler developing and improving the inner workings of aircraft that included the A6 Intruder and the F14 Tomcat.

Pop was a dedicated volunteer at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Folkston, Georgia. Home to an estimated 35,000 alligators. (Shout out to "Quik-Chic Fried Chicken" in Folkston) He was an appreciated, poignant, entertaining, oft praised docent at The Historic Chesser House.

Grandpa had the pleasure of loving on eight grandchildren (Samantha, Nicole, Alexandra, Raymond Peter Thek III, Luke , Louie, Victoria and Daniel) they will reap the benefits of his wisdom for years to come. He was famous for providing an ample supply of 2 dollar bills to all of them.

Raymond Peter Thek was born on May 2nd, 1937 AD, the first of four children born to Peter Lawrence Thek and Henrietta Louise Pfeiffer.

Raymond had 3 siblings (Peter, Thomas and Lorraine). Raymond's ancestors emigrated to the United States from the Alsace-Lorraine region of Germany.

The Georgia Bulldog was blessed with a bountiful assortment of loving, caring, adoring, colorful, life enhancing friends and relatives… much to bountiful to even begin to list in this humble obituary, but rest assured The Georgia Bulldog cared deeply for each one.

Raymond Peter is a believer in the teachings of Jesus Christ and we believe that he is rejoicing in heaven with The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost