Raymond Stivender McLaughlin, age 71, passed away Thursday at Huntsville Hospital while surrounded by his family and friends. Raymond was born in Charleston, South Carolina to James Joseph McLaughlin and Lois Stivender McLaughlin. Raymond loved to reflect on his adventurous childhood spent on the beaches of Sullivan’s Island and always cherished his time in South Carolina. He graduated from Decatur High School and attended the University of North Alabama, where he met his wife, Deborah.
At age 20, he enlisted in the Unites States Navy as an electrician’s mate. He served two years on the U.S.S. Brooke during the Vietnam War. Raymond loved to spend time with his two sons, Andy and Robbie, as a dedicated baseball coach, affectionately known as “Coach Ray”. His love of fly fishing on the Elk River, working on his International Scout and gardening was also passed on to his sons. He was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church. Raymond’s warm smile, whole-hearted laugh and friendly demeanor were appreciated by many at the Church of the Highlands, where he enjoyed working as a greeter.
Raymond was proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Thompson McLaughlin, his sons Andy (Lynsey) and Robbie, his siblings Jimmy McLaughlin, Linda Travis, Matthew McLaughlin (Lee), and Susan Bolan (Glenn). A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2019 at 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 120 Greene St. SE, Huntsville, with Rev. Coy Hallmark and Dr. Bill Crosby officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arrowhead Ranch, Normandy, TN.
