He was born Oct. 1, 1930, in Brunswick, ME, a son of Frank and Viola Coleman McCrum. He was a graduate of Brunswick High School, class of ‘49. After a year at Norwich University, he entered into service with the U.S. Army, becoming a corporal in the Field Artillery Branch.
In 1951, he married Ida Ruth McCrum. They were married for 34 years. While living in Brunswick, they raised broiler chickens, were members of the snowmobile club and enjoyed dinners with friends at Grand City. Ray enjoyed line dancing, motorcycling, snowmobiling, gardening and travel.
Although divorced, Ray and Ruth remained close friends until his recent death.
In his years following his military service, he was employed with Treworgy Furniture for over 20 years. He worked at Sears doing appliance repair prior to starting his own appliance repair business here in Brunswick, Maine.
In Ray’s later years of his life he lived happily in Zephyrhills, FL, nearby his daughter Karen Farnum. He made several friends and enjoyed his retired lifestyle of dinners, dancing and sightseeing. Ray enjoyed visiting family here in Maine. Loving to come home occasionally for a boiled lobster dinner with fresh Maine corn on the cob with extended family. He will be remembered fondly for his boisterous laughter, rough housing with the kids, family camping adventures, and station wagon rides with all the grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters Linda Paxman and Karen Farnum of Collins, MO, his former wife Ida Ruth McCrum, a brother Col. Ralph McCrum, six grandchildren Kevin Paxman, Steven Paxman, Alice Boutot, Sharon Farnum, Miranda McCrum, Matthew Blaine McCrum and 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son James Loren McCrum and a grandson Nathan McCrum.
A graveside committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Growstown Cemetery in Brunswick. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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