Raymond Earl Eckert

Raymond Earl "Ray" Eckert, 79, of Weeki Wachee, FL, passed away peacefully at home the morning of July 6, 2023, surrounded by his close loved ones. He was born on October 14, 1943, in Buffalo, NY, to the late Earl and Elizabeth Eckert. Ray proudly served in the United States Air Force from July 1962 to September 1967.

Ray was a dedicated writer and editor, having worked at the US Department of Defense (DOD) for many years before his retirement. He had an impressive educational background, having attended Sloan Jr/Sr Highschool, Syracuse University, University of Buffalo, George Washington University, University of Maryland, and Troy State University.

In his free time, Ray enjoyed various hobbies such as fishing, rock-hounding, collecting, reading, playing cards, wood working, photography, bird watching, model trains, stamps, coins and of course his love of sports. He was an active member of Grace World Outreach Church, where he found solace and community.

Ray will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Christine Eckert, his daughters Nicole Eckert-Glace, Cassandra Eckert, and Elizabeth Eckert, his son-in-law Kevin Glace Sr, his sister Donna Walek and her husband, whom was also Rays best friend, Dennis Walek, his sister Michelle Eckert, his nieces Dawn Davis and Angela Gamman, his grandniece Alyssa Davis, his grandnephews Ian Davis, Noel Gamman, and Nathan Gamman, his granddaughter Krystal Painter and her husband Joshua Painter, his great-grandson Seth Brown, and his great-granddaughter Syvannah Taylor. He was preceded in death by his father Earl Eckert, his mother Elizabeth Eckert, and his sister Kim Eckert and his niece Amanda Eckert.

Due to Rays last wishes, memorial services will be held privately for the immediate family. Ray will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his passion for writing, and his love for his family and friends, and also let’s not forget his wonderful sense of humor.