Raymond R. Sovey, 85, was taken to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services, Kingsford. Ray resided at his home until his stroke on August 22. Up to that time, he remained self-sufficient with little assistance. When he did need help, Ray could count on his son, Jim; grandsons, Matt and Jake; brother-in-law, Fadel (Mary) George; niece, Tina Francis; cousin, Barbara Marinelli; and sister, Kathleen Fayas. The family is grateful for assistance from Dr. Donald Jacobs throughout the years, other relatives, friends, and neighbors including the Nelson's, Pozza's and Mouw's. Ray looked forward to his weekly visits at his cousin Jack Paquette's place at Pine Mountain and enjoyed having "a beer" with his cousin Fran Paquette, along with other friends including John and Laurie Jessen and Joe Smeester. Ray was born on October 9, 1925, in Iron Mountain, son of the late Roy and Helen (Lacni) Sovey. He had three siblings, Joseph, Delores, and Kathleen. He married Rose E. George at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. They had one son, James "Jim" and two grandsons, Mathew and Jacob, all of Iron Mountain. Ray's grandsons meant everything to him and he looked forward to hearing from them each day. He will be remembered for his dedication to Rose with daily visits during her two and a half year residency at ManorCare. Ray was an avid sportsman, being a former member of Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain and Oak Crest Golf Course, Norway, where he was a Club Champion. He always looked forward to each season of fishing, deer and bird hunting, and in his younger times, trapping. When Matt and Jake showed interest in his hobbies, he was pleased to teach them all he knew having great times together over the years. Although Ray did receive his graduation diploma from Iron Mountain High School, in 1944, he was drafted in his senior year at the age of 17 to serve his county. After being honorably discharged, he was employed at the Niagara Paper Mill from 1946 until his retirement in 1990. Ray served in the United States Navy aboard the destroyer, USS Chauncey from 1944 to 1946 receiving five bronze stars for major battles. The destroyer was assigned and saw action, including the Wake Islands, Rabaul, Marshal Islands, British, Dutch, New Guinea, Marianas, Saipan, Guam, Leyte, Okinawa, and Tokoyo. In March of 1945, the Chauncey joined the famous Task Force 58, setting out for Japan far ahead of the main body to intercept, give early warning to the forces following, and destroy air, sea, and underwater contacts including the "kamikazes". When the heroic carrier USS Franklin was seriously damaged, the Chauncey helped to bring her away from Japan's shores to safety. The ship joined Admiral Halsey's Third Fleet, which arrived on Easter morning when our troops arrived and closed in on the beaches of Okinawa. These men, as well as all military personnel, "Remember Pearl Harbor". Ray is survived by his son, James; dear grandsons, Matt and Jake; one sister, Kathleen (Marvin) Fayas; brothers-in-law, Fadel (Mary Alice) George and Duane George; many nieces and nephews, including Dianne Castelaz-Chiapusio, and Tina (Mike) Francis; cousins, Francis Paquette, Jack Paquette, Jr., Barbara Marinelli, and Rose Marie (Melvin) Jayne and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; his parents, Helen and Roy Sovey; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fadel and Mary George; his brother, Joseph (Dolores) Sovey; sister, Delores (Domenic) Chiapusio; sisters-in-law, Charlotte (Walter) Gustafson and Georgette (George) Rovgi; and brother-in-law, Dr. Robert (Cheryl) George; along with many other members of the Sovey and George families. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Rev. Dan Zaloga will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. Pallbearers will be Jim and Mathew Sovey, Mike Francis, Paul George, John Jessen, and Joe Smeester. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ray's name to the WWII Glider and Military Museum, Iron Mountain. Ray was very proud of the museum for honoring all military and the story it tells. A memorial plaque will be installed with the names of donors and the contributions will be used to begin a fund for the perpetuation of the facility. You may light a candle in remembrance of Raymond or leave a condolence for his family at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com. The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, is serving the family.