Document text
October 05. 2014 2:00AM RAY DEAN MINER 1938-2014 Ray Dean Miner, 76, of Central Point, Ore., passed away September 27, 2014. Born August 30, 1938, in Carterville, Ill., he was the eldest son of the late Joseph Leon and Gertie Mae Miner. He married Diana Louise Balcom in 1959. The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on September 20, 2014. At just 17, Ray joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years. After his discharge, he decided to re-enlist, but chose to join the U.S. Navy, where he served 16 years until his retirement in 1975. While in the Navy, he graduated from Naval Electronics A and B Schools. As a Naval electronics expert specializing in training devices (flight and submarine simulators), Ray was well known for his ability to solve tough problems. Upon his retirement, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for service above and beyond the call of duty. During his military service, he was also awarded four good conduct medals and the Vietnam Service Medal. Ray loved fishing, working outdoors, and working on cars, but mostly he enjoyed working in his woodshop. He was a self-taught craftsman, whose biggest love was making furniture and all-things-wooden for his wife, two daughters, and granddaughter. His proudest moment was becoming a great-grandfather. He and his wife moved to Oregon in 1975. The couple settled in Central Point following their retirement in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Diana; daughter, Karsen Renee Jordan (Randy) of Central Point, Ore.; daughter, Sherrie Rae Trigg (Robert) of Corona, Calif.; granddaughter, Stephanie Michelle Barbaran (Xavier), and great-grandson Xavier Ray of North Hollywood, Calif. He is also survived by four brothers, James David, Charles, Joseph, and Donny; and three sisters, Velda Louise, Wilma Jean, and Mary Alice. He was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and Floyd. A military honors memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday October 10, 2014 at Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Ore. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Heart Association. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141005/OBITUARIES/310059992 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->