Raymond Huddnell Caruthers

Raymond H. Caruthers Jr., 80, of Hiawassee, GA. took his first breath in Heaven April 8, 2012, Easter Sunday morning.  Ray was born in Pahokee, FL November 26, 1931.  He and his wife, Barbara fulfilled his lifelong dream of retiring in the North GA. Mountains.  Everyone who knew him will never forget the joy he brought to their lives.

Ray served in the U.S. Air  Force from 1951 - 1955.  For 50 years he was a very accomplished and respected farmer in South Florida.  Ray was involved and served on numerous Committees and Boards throughout his life, including church, community and business organizations.  He served as a Lay Pastor and Deacon at several Churches throughout his life.  Other positions include President of the Turfgrass Producers Association of Florida, Director of Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau Members, Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce Board, Glades General Hospital Board, City of Belle Glade Civil Service Board and Palm Beach County Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Ray was also a member of Gideon International, taught Sunday School classes for 30 plus years and most recently served as an on-line Missionary and Witness with the Organization, Global Media Outreach.  He studied Theology at Stetson University in DeLand, Fl.  

Ray was quite the athlete during his childhood, youth and high school years playing baseball and football for his beloved Pahokee Blue Devils.  He was very active with his sons during their years of playing sports serving as a coach and mentor.  Many people benefited from knowing Ray through his strong Christian values and leading with integrity.

He was preceded in death by his mother Uceba Babson, father, Raymond H. Caruthers, Sr., first wife, Mary Jo and sons Reggie and Ted Caruthers.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Barbara, brothers Sidney (BettieJean), Salt Springs, FL; Gene (Vieva), Tallahassee, FL; daughters-in-law, Beth Caruthers, Wichita, KS; Melanie Caruthers, Savannah, GA; step-children, Benny Parson (Cindy), Niceville, FL; Linda Parson Adams (Eddie), Nashville, TN; Jeff Parson (Sara) Bountiful, UT; Rebecca Parson Wecer (Mariano), Hiawassee, GA.  Grandchildren include Gabriel Caruthers (Julie), Wichita, KS; Zachary Caruthers, Wichita, KS; Lucas Caruthers Kansas City, KS; Kate Caruthers Andrews, Wichita, KS; Douglas Grooms (Rebecca), Sandy, UT; Heather Parson Barley (Shawn), Avon Park, FL; Benny Parson, Jr., Niceville, FL; Tyler Parson and Sam Parson, Bountiful, UT; Hannah Wecer, Hiawassee, GA.  Ray also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Tanner Grooms and Cale Andrews along with numerous nieces’ and nephews.  Ray also shared a wonderful bond with Barbara’s sister and brother in law, Mary and  Mike Ables who reside in Hayesville, NC.  

Services were held at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church on Thursday, April 12, 2012 with Pastor Don Pickerill officiating.  Interment was at Osborne Cemetery in Hiawassee, GA.  Memorial offerings can be made  in memory of Ray to McConnell Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund by calling [706] 896- 2281.  Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.