OBITUARY: Raynor “Ray” Metcalfe, 79

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Raynor R. Metcalfe, “Ray”, age 79, a life-long resident of Wilmington, passed away at home on April 16, 2025, following a brave battle with cancer.

Ray was born on July 12, 1945, in Woburn, MA; he was the dear son of the late R. Raymond and Ida E. (Tymeson) Metcalfe.  Ray was raised and educated in Wilmington and a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1963.  Following High School, Ray enlisted in the United States Army on October 16, 1963, during the Vietnam War.  Ray was deployed overseas for a tour of duty and earned several commendations for his bravery including the Sharpshooter Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.  Ray was honorably discharged from active duty in August of 1966 and went on to serve the Country with the Army Reserves until October of 1969.

Ray married his “sweetheart” Barbara Corliss in 1969; the couple settled in Wilmington where they raised their family.  Ray was very active in the town, especially coaching youth sports for many years.  Ray was great to the kids of Wilmington; he was a friend and mentor to many and always treated them like they were his own.

Ray was a very proud Veteran; he was always out and about helping other Veterans and constantly contributing his time and talents to their many causes.  Ray never missed a Memorial Day parade, a Veterans dedication or ceremony, or a Veterans Day tribute for his fellow comrades.

Ray was also very active in the Tewksbury Wilmington Elks where he served on several boards, was a Past Exalted Ruler, Past District Deputy, and Honorary Life Member.  Ray volunteered for countless community events that were sponsored by the Elks, again always giving of his time and talents to help others.

Prior to retiring, Ray was a talented Tool and Dye Machinist for several companies including Wang and the Thermo  Fisher Company throughout his career.  Ray had a great personality and made many life-long friends with his co-workers.

Ray’s family was always his priority; he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who looked forward to spending time with his family whether it was on a sports field, at a school event, taking a family vacation, or celebrating a holiday, he made everything fun.  Ray especially treasured his role as “Grampy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; they were his pride and joy.

In his spare time, Ray loved to head to Cape Cod with Barbara where they enjoyed the sun and scenery.  He was also an avid golfer and he liked to dabble in scratch tickets or a game of Keno just to try his luck.  Ray would often be found cruising in his Chevy Impala sipping his trademark diet coke and socializing with everyone.

Ray was the beloved husband of Barbara Metcalfe, devoted father of Raymond Metcalfe and his wife Courtney, loving “Grampy” of Daniel Metcalfe and his wife Nicolle, Kyle Cimon and his wife Nancy, Bryan Metcalfe, Haylee Metcalfe and her fiancé Tyler Murphy, Jocelyn Metcalfe and her boyfriend Kevin Kemp, Wyatt Metcalfe, Lyla Metcalfe, and his great-grandchildren Grayson, Blake, Danny, Carter, Lincoln, and Blake.  Dear brother of Roger Metcalfe and his wife Marjorie, Ronald Metcalfe and his wife Connie.  Ray is further survived by his nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, April 18th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  A Service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment with Military Honors in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL  60614-2256.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at http://www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.