Raymond C. “Ray” Hase, Jr. – Obituary

by Lynn McMillen
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  Raymond C. “Ray” Hase, Jr., of Huntsville, AL, passed away on April 13, 2018, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret “Peggy” Roberts Hase, and their three children – Tom Hase (Diana), Huntsville; Cathy Bonham (Michael), Marietta, GA; and Marty Oxford (John), Pine Mountain, GA. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, including Jeannie Dickens (Vince), Huntsville; Aaron Hase (Shannon), Huntsville; Taylor Oxford (Toni), Savannah, GA; Christy MacKenzie (Joe), Huntsville; Steven Bonham (Carrie), Marietta, GA; Beth Anderson (David), Buford, GA; Allen Oxford, Pine Mountain, GA; and Ben Hase (Stephanie), Huntsville; 18 great grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn Gimmy, Chesapeake Bay, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond C. Hase, Sr. and Henrietta Bell Hase, and his brother, Rick Hase.

Known for his faith, love of family, and service to country, Ray made a lasting impact on each and will be remembered for his warmth, care for others, leadership, and generosity.

Born May 10, 1930, in Kirkwood, MO, Ray graduated from Kirkwood High then obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. He also held a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. It was in the junior high years that he met his future bride as they attended the same schools and church. Ray was a trombonist in the school bands, including during his time at Washington University.

Ray and Peggy married in June 1953 and moved to New Jersey where he accepted a position with Bell Laboratories following graduation. During five years with the Labs, Ray also served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in Huntsville. Accepting a position as a civilian with the U.S. Military, Ray spent the next 30 years working on various air defense systems, including serving as the Chief Engineer and Deputy Program Manager for the Patriot missile project. He considered the highlight of his career bringing Patriot to service from development to deployment for defense of the U.S. and as a system sold to allies for their defense programs. During this time, Ray achieved the rank of Senior Executive Service (SES). Upon retirement from his roles with the military, Ray joined Nichols Research Corp (later Computer Sciences Corp.) where he served as Vice President of the Systems Engineering Division for 10 years.

Since moving to Huntsville in 1955, Ray served in various aspects throughout the community. In 1957, he and Peggy became charter members of Covenant Presbyterian Church which served as a center of family activity and a place of spiritual growth. He was honored to serve as an Elder, also spending many years teaching children and adults, leading numerous committees and serving in many of the church ministries. He had a particular fondness for his Men’s Weekly Prayer Group and the relationships developed with those in the group. In addition, Ray served on the Board of Hospice Family Care and was a long-term supporter of the Second Mile Ministry, the Huntsville Community Chorus, and Presbyterian Children’s Home.

Ray found great joy in his family. He loved spending time through the years with this large and growing group and eagerly looked forward to the family beach trips he sponsored, especially after the grandchildren arrived. His many trips around the globe with Peggy provided great adventure and wonderful memories. His unfailing love, caring support, gentle spirit, and Christ-like leadership not only influenced his family, but all who were privileged to cross paths with Ray.

A memorial service honoring Ray will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 301 Drake Avenue, on Saturday, April 21, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive guests following the service.

The family suggests memorials in Ray’s honor be made to the Covenant Weekday Preschool, Presbyterian Children’s Home, or Second Mile Ministry.

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