Raymond A. Hines, 82, passed Friday, December 29, 2023, at his home in St. Joseph, Missouri surrounded by loved ones.
Ray was born on September 26, 1941. Ray has been with Choices of St. Joseph since 1988 and has lived a rich life full of love, friendship and community.
Ray retired from Specialty Industries after working for 35 years and was a member of the Special Citizen Rec Club. Ray was an amazing and accomplished bowler with Special Olympics, winning many tournaments and trophies. Ray enjoyed bowling, eating ice cream, visiting with people everywhere he went and shopping. Ray’s favorite place was his rocking chair on the front porch watching the children on the playground and petting his neighbor's dog.
Ray was a member of Riverside Baptist where he went faithfully on Sundays. When riding the church bus, which Ray loved, was no longer an option, his staff ensured his attendance was maintained by attending with him every week. Ray recited his prayers every night and at meals. At dessert time, he would sing, “Happy Birthday” and had a ritual of counting out 5 mints nightly. Ray also enjoyed his tobacco pipe even if nothing was in it.
Ray is survived by his two housemates of over fifteen years, Billy and Justin, as well as all of his Choices family, both present and past.
Ray’s smile and love for others gave him the larger-than-life persona that will be greatly missed by all the knew him. He didn’t know a stranger and would “shake” hands with anyone that would try.
Natural Farewell under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Services for Ray will be determined at a later time.
