Obituary
Grover Ray Cullifer (76) passed away at home on August 4, 2017 after battling Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma Stage 4) for about a year, with his Family and Friends by his side and Kindred Hospice Care watching over him.
Ray was born on November 29, 1940 in Orlando, Fl., to Ray Dorsey and Gertrude Pitts Cullifer. He was known as Ray, Buddy, Chicken, Coach, and Dad to so many people through his Journey in Life.
Ray is survived by his Loving Wife Norma Jean Cullifer of 57 years; Son Tracy A. and his Wife Virginia and 2 Grandchildren, Chase and Cayla Cullifer; Daughter Kathryn E. Cullifer and 3 Grand Dogs Beasley, Rexy and Brock; Brother Robert A. and his Wife Connie Cullifer; Sister Donna G. and her Husband Buddy Jackson; Brother-in-Law Richard L. and Barbara J. Anderson also many Loving and Caring Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.
Ray Graduated from Winter Park High School while working for Dallas Bower. He started his Career with Orlando Utilities Commission in July 1960 at an entry level position and Retired as Chief of System Operations after 35 years.
Ray spent 11 years Coaching Little League Baseball and Softball. For many years he also played softball in the “Over 50 League”. He was an Avid Hunter that consisted of Bow, Muzzle Load, Shotgun and Rifle hunting for most all legal Game. He raised and trained Walker Hound Dogs that led him to be a member of the Central Florida Fox Hunters Club. Awards were earned through Confirmation and Fox Field Trials. Fishing was another Sport he Enjoyed and it didn’t matter if it was in a Creek, Lake, River, Inshore or Offshore.
Ray Loved to Travel – He worked with a local Racecar team for 3 years all over the Eastern United States. For our 30th Wedding Anniversary we went to Hawaii and Australia. During our travels we Visited Cancun and Cozumel as well as Traveling for 7 months in the United States and Canada following the NASCAR circuit and Major League Baseball. Our Love of Baseball brought us to Deland and Stetson University attending approximately 50 games each year including out-of-state. We have Enjoyed this Lifestyle since 2000. It’s been a Privilege to watch several players make it to the Major League Teams. We Traveled to watch some of these players and always looked for them on T.V.
Ray’s “Celebration of Life” will be held at Melching Field at Conrad Park in Deland on August 26, 2017 with Gates opening at 3pm and Service at 4pm. Please dress Casual as if you were attending a baseball game. In Lieu of Flowers, the Family would like to Support the Stetson University Baseball Program by having a Collection at Ray’s “Celebration of Life” with 100% going directly to the Baseball Program.
In every way Ray was always a Perfect Gentleman. Thank You for all of your Love and Support. We Love and Miss him Dearly
Service
555 S. Woodland Blvd, DeLand, FL 32720
Boricuss