Livonia/Honeoye: At age 49, Ray passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at his home in Livonia. He was born in Canandaigua, NY. Ray is predeceased by his mother Gail O’Connor. Survived by his children; Danae (Everett) Dougherty of Virginia Beach, VA., Raymond Paul III of Virginia Beach, VA., Emma Paul of Virginia Beach, VA., his father; Raymond A. Paul Sr. of Honeoye, his step father; John O’Connor of Hemlock, his grandmother; Julia Unamann of Rochester, his sisters; Ann (Bob) Buono of Wayne, NY., Valerie O’Connor of Mooresville, NC., and his grandchildren; Adrian Dunkle, Jocelyn Dougherty, and Everett Dougherty, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ray graduated from Livonia High School in 1989. After a couple years working for area car dealers, Ray found his calling in the US Navy. Enlisting in 1990 as a seaman, Ray fast tracked to officer’s candidate school and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1997. Ray advanced to a Navy Lieutenant and retired honorably after 20 years of service.
Ray was actively involved with racing at an early age, driving in the rookie class at age 15, at the Canandaigua Speedway and advancing to the Super Stocks at Perry Speedway. While on active duty, Ray found time to race both cars and trucks at several speedways throughout Virginia and Mississippi. Ray had a special relationship with Julie, Jason and Austyn Fugle of Livonia. Ray was crew chief for their racecars. He also helped several other area racers.
Ray was an avid hunter and fisherman, but most of all he was a great father who made his passion of racing a family experience. He was sure to include his kids in helping with the racecars. He also made simple things special with his children, like “Tuesdays at the Getty,” or “sneaking” to get them little treats. Ray will be greatly missed.
Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 11AM to 1PM at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 8624 Main Street in Honeoye, where his memorial service will take place at 1PM following calling hours. Interment will immediately follow Ray’s memorial service at Lakeview Cemetery on West Lake Road in Honeoye. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Richmond Ambulance Fund, PO Box 469, Honeoye, NY 14471. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
*Please note, the Funeral Home will be operating at 33% capacity per state guidelines. New York State requires those in attendance to adhere to these guidelines including those related to social distancing and face coverings.
I went to school with Ray. He was always talking about car, racing & making car noises. My heart goes out to his family.
Carrie Palmer Davin
I was shocked to hear of Ray’s passing. I am Ray’s childhood friend. Ann, Ray, Val and myself used to do quite a bit together. I’m amazed at how time has gone and the different paths we have taken. I felt like part of Ray’s family. We went to watch John race then later when Ray became able to race, I would watch them both. Riding bikes, playing cards and Atari while listening to heavy metal was our weekend past time. I have fond memories that I had always hoped to again reminisce with Ray.
I”m very sorry for your loss and may he be remembered for good. My memories of him certainly are for the good.
I went to Highschool with Ray. He always had a smile on his face. Sorry for your loss.
Sorry I couldn’t make it to Raymond’s service. You are all in my thoughts.
So Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you Ray and the Paul family
Ray raced with us here in VA for a few years at Saluda Raceway in Virginia! Learned so much from him! He will be missed!! Our best to his family! Mark Smith Ret Navy# 38, Dave Pfeiffer Retired Navy #38j , Clint Smith# 83 . Mad1 Motorsports! Now racing at Dixieland Speedway in NC where Ray raced a few times also!
So sad to hear of Bubba’s passing. Our hearts are with you through these difficult days.
very sorry for your loss