Raymond Hatch

Our beloved, Raymond Edward Hatch, passed away peacefully at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital/hospice with his family by his side on Friday, June 24, 2022.

He worked for the Ford Motor Company 42 years and retired as a Master Sergeant (E8) from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service in the active Army, 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles, and the Army Reserves. He was most proud of his Military Service. More than 40 years after serving in the Vietnam War, Ray received the Purple Heart, and several other medals including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Parachute Badge, a Sharp Shooter M14, an Army Good Conduct Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal 1st Class Unit Citation, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars.

Ray was born July 20, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to Ohio where he grew up and graduated from Vermilion High School in 1967. Upon graduation he attended Lorain Community College, worked for Ford's Lorain Assembly Plant before enlisting in the Army where he was sent to Vietnam. Upon his return, he met his wife, Theresa Helen, to whom he was lovingly married for 52 years, living in Sheffield Village, Ohio, 40 years, and most recently North Ridgeville, Ohio.

Ray knew no strangers and was loved for his sense of humor and his generosity, literally giving his coat off his back to those in need and donating to multiple causes. He liked fishing, loved playing cards with family and friends, and was an avid golfer with a three handicap. But the sound he liked the most was, "Grandpa play with me".

Ray is survived by his wife, Theresa Helen (nee Jacobs), his daughter Elizabeth Hatch (Seattle, WA), son David Hatch, daughter-in-law Bobbie Caldwell-Hatch, grandson Corbin Lane Hatch (Forth Worth, Tx), sister Martha Brownell (Murfreesboro, TN), sister-in-law Candace Hatch (Jensen Beach, FL), and several uncles, nieces, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ruby Louise Hatch, and his brother James "Willie" Hatch.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society and/or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Friends may call the Busch Funeral Home, 32000 Detroit Rd, Avon, OH 44011, Tuesday June 28, 2022 from 4-8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am, Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, 2640 Stoney Ridge Rd, Avon, OH. Interment to follow at St Joseph Cemetery, Avon OH. www.buschcares.com 440.937.6175