C. Ray Whitaker (89), most known as Ray, was born on October 18, 1931, in Madera, Ray served as a Staff and Supply Sergeant in the US Air Force and served his country heroically during the Korean Conflict, and was honored to be apart of the Central Valley Honor Flight in 2016.

A lifelong resident of Madera, Ray attended local schools and was a graduate of Madera Union High School. Ray married his childhood sweetheart Joyce Parker on July 15, 1951, in Madera, where they made their home and stayed for their nearly 70-year marriage. They raised two sons, Tom, and Doug, who continue to live in Madera.

Ray had many jobs in his lifetime including cattle rancher and owner of Whitaker’s Auto Wrecking, however, he is probably most known for his volunteer work, which he loved doing. Ray was busier in his retirement than he was working and was passionate about giving his time to the Veterans Hospital, the Scottish Rite Speech Clinic, the Masonic Lodge of California, Madera Rescue Mission, his church, Camp Fire, local schools, and donating blood to the Central Valley Blood Center. He was Grand Master for the state of California and the local Madera chapter of the Masons several times and held many other offices as well. Ray was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 1981, Madera and received the Boy Scouts of America’s highest council recognition “The Silver Beaver Award” for his work with the youth of the central valley.

Ray was known for his genuine smile, generous heart, and his strong love for God, his country, his family, and his friends. He was one of a kind, a true gentleman, and everyone who met him instantly loved him.

He is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Susan Whitaker, sister Dorothy, and his parents.

Ray is survived by his wife Joyce, his two sons Tom and Doug, and his daughter-in-law Janet. He also leaves behind his granddaughters Monica, Stephanie and her husband David, Lora and her husband Angel, grandson Evan and his wife Alice, and his brother, Bert.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm. at Jay Chapel in Madera, CA

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021, 10:00 am at Jay Chapel in Madera, CA

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Scottish Rite Speech & Language Disorders Center, 1435 L St, Fresno, CA 93721.

The service will be broadcast live on Friday, June 4, 2021, at 10:00 am on the Jay Chapel website, tribute for Ray Whitaker.