Harry Ray Spitz Jr., died in his home Sunday, June 01, 2014.
Ray was born February 1, 1936, in Oakland, California to Mabel Light Spitz and Harry Ray Spitz, Sr, an iron worker, who built bridges across the country, the most iconic of which was the Oakland Bay Bridge. The family eventually landed in Charleston, SC just prior to World War II.
In Charleston, Ray spent his youth forming lifelong friendships, exploring the rivers and waterways, and seeding his deep love of boating and adventure. He attended Charleston High School and later entered The Citadel, class of 1958, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
Upon graduation, Ray served in the US Army Aviation and in the Field Artillery, rising to the rank of Captain.
Flying helicopters was one of his greatest passions. His service to the Army took him abroad to Korea and the Dominican Republic.
Post military, Ray worked for IBM. His work at IBM included many accomplishments. One rewarding experience was his role as Product Marketing Manager for the Series 1, a leading technology that was at the forefront of moving from large, room-sized systems to small systems.
After two decades, Ray retired from IBM and moved to Tallahassee as President of Tallahassee Technical Computer Center (T2C2), a software company. In final retirement, he met the love of his life, Cheryl, and married her. His interest in history spurred him to volunteer as a docent at Maclay Gardens.
Subsequently, much of his time was spent before a computer, researching market strategies and trading stocks. Mainly, he always made time for his friends, children, and grandchildren and served his Lord at St. Peters Anglican Church. The caring and generous community at St. Peters nourished his spirit in his last years as his health failed.
He passed in his home, knowing the love of his wife and the grace of a relationship with his Lord Jesus Christ.
Services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2014, at 2 pm at St. Peters Anglican Church, 4784 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312. The church is graciously providing flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital Burn Center, Cincinnati, OH: http://support.shrinershospitals.org/goto/Ray_Spitz
Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl Jordan; his son Harry Ray Spitz, III and wife, Joanne; his daughter Catherine Spitz Amein and husband, John; and four granddaughters: Catherine Marietta Amein, Caroline Grace Amein, Grace Elaine Brass, and Misa Elizabeth Brass.
He is also survived by a large number of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com)
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