Rayman E." Ray" Moffitt, 81, 6510 55th St NE, Minot, died Thursday, November 16, 2006, in a Minot nursing home.

Rayman was born on November 8, 1925, on the family farm in McKinley Township of Ward County, North Dakota, the son of Dail and Verna (Beeghly) Moffitt. He was raised on the farm and educated at Minot,graduating from Minot High School in 1945.

Ray entered into active duty service with the United States Navy from June 8, 1944 to June 9, 1946. He served on the USS Atlanta during the Pacific Theatre of World War II.

Ray was united in marriage to Lucille Busek on March 30, 1954 at Minot First Presbyterian Church. They made their home on the family farm in McKinley Township near Minot. He farmed northeast of Minot his entire life and after retirement worked part-time for Johnson Landscaping and Lowes Garden Center.

Rayman was a former member of the Minot Rural fire dept. from 1967 - 1980 and served as fire chief from 1974 - 1980. He was a former member of the Eagles, Moose, and Bohemian Lodges of Minot.

Rayman could fix anything and would help a neighbor in need. Rayman enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He attended many activities that involved his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. When asked who his best friend was, he responded "anyone who would talk to me."

Ray was survived by : wife of fifty-two years: Lucille, Minot; Daughters: JoAnne Johnson, Minot, Beverly (Ted) Drader, Amity, OR, and Amy (Mike) Wildermuth, Jackson Center, Ohio; Son: Bruce (Tammy) Moffitt, West Fargo, ND; Grandchildren: Tracy Carlson, Brad (Alisha) Drader, Jody Drader, Stephen Wildermuth, Brooke, Chad, and Stacie Moffitt, Dee Dra Sturlaugson and Derrik Johnson; 6 Great Grandchildren: Sister: Mary (Earl) Williams, Seattle, WA; Several nieces and nephews.

Rayman was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Edna Iverson, Lois Schoenwald, and Beatrice Haugen; brother: Wilbur; and son-in-law: Dan Johnson.

Funeral Service: Monday, November 20, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in First Presbyterian Church, Minot;
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot;
Visitation: Sunday from noon - 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.