Charles R. "Ray" Lance

Ray Lance, 89, passed away December 29, 2017 at his home in Florida.  He was born November 21, 1928 in Blue Ridge, Georgia to the late Charles M. and Bessie Lance.  Ray moved from Blue Ridge, Georgia to Richfield, Ohio during his early school years.  After graduating from Richfield High School in 1946, Ray joined his father and siblings working at C.M. Lance and Son’s Shell Oil station until he left for the Korean War in 1950.  He served for 2 years in the Army in the 101st Airborne Division before his honorable discharge in 1952.  He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and many other commendations.   Ray returned to work with his family until 1966 when he pursued a career in real estate as a contractor and broker.  After creating housing developments for several years, he went on to work in commercial real estate as a developer in the Akron area. 

Ray and his wife Lucille retired in Florida, followed by time with children and grandchildren in North Carolina, Texas and Ohio. He was an avid big game hunter with his favorite hunting expeditions being to Alaska.

Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Lance; brother, Gerald Lance and sister, ImoJean Stalcup.  He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer (Tom) Timmons and Colleen (Marcos de Lima, MD) Lance, MD; grandchildren, Ian (Lauren) and Sara Timmons, Lucas and Jessica de Lima; brother, Bill Lance; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.   

Funeral service will be held at 3 P.M. on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Schermesser Funeral Home, 600 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Rd. (SR619), Akron, Ohio 44319 with Pastor Dallas Billington II officiating.  Family and friends may call on Sunday from 1 P.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home. A private family interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.  Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. To leave a special message online for the family, visit our website at www.schermesserfh.com.

SCHERMESSER
(330) 899-9107
www.schermesserfh.com