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WARREN -- Raymond Gordon Vaughn Jr., aka “Ray,” "Ray Jay," "Big Ray," "Dad," "Neptune," 79, passed away on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by the love of his family and caregivers, following a six-year struggle with Agent Orange-related cancer.
Ray lived a wonderful life. He was a humble man who knew and loved God. He was a man of genuine kindness and always enjoyed the company of family and friends.
Born in McDonald, he "met" his future love of his life, Kay, right there in the hospital nursery, their birth dates only six days apart.
Ray graduated from McDonald High School and set his personal life aside to proudly serve our country in the United States Marine Corps from 1964 to 1967, receiving the following awards for his service and valor in Vietnam: Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroic achievement; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Service Medal with two bronze campaign stars; Gallantry Cross with bronze star; Gallantry Cross Unit Citation; Civil Actions Unit Citation; Campaign Medal; and the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.
His discipline and dedication were only strengthened during his military service and were evident in every aspect of his life, especially in his role as a provider and protector for his family.
Ray and Kay married on May 18, 1968; and they built a lifetime of love, laughter and devotion together, raising two daughters, Stacey and Dana, who were his pride and joy.
He and Kay traveled the States via Gold Wing in their 30s and 40s, trading in the bike for progressively larger boats to enjoy together and with others.
He was the social coordinator of the household and loved sharing a bottle of red wine over conversation at local and regional wineries. He loved football -- Go Buckeyes. And Lord knows, he loved his Corvette.
Ray knew guns and was an avid gun collector and marksman; he was also a member of the Vienna Fish & Game Club and practiced regularly at their shooting range. He was meticulous and MacGyver-like, extremely handy, with skills not unlike a trained carpenter. Ray also enjoyed gardening in his later years, and he and Kay worked together to create a beautiful home landscape.
Ray retired from General Motors in 2006 after 38 years of employment, a “brother of the broom.”
His conscientious and dependable nature earned him the respect and friendship of many of his colleagues. After his retirement, Ray applied his trustworthiness and creativity to various projects, always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. You will never meet a more dutiful man.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine LaCerva Vaughn and Raymond Vaughn; and sister, Karen Vaughn.
Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen "Kay" Gustafson Vaughn; two daughters, Stacey (Ted) Vaughn Norris and Dr. Dana Rae Vaughn; and eight grand-critters.
The family extends a special note of thanks to Dr. Donna Miller at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Dr. Kathryn Leininger and P.J. at the Kent VA Clinic for all their help and support.
In lieu of flowers, send a donation to one of Ray's favored local charities: the Second Harvest Food Bank of Mahoning Valley or the Warren Family Mission.
A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will begin at noon Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, at the Lane Funeral Home in Austintown.
Friends may call two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon Monday at the funeral home.
Visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to send condolences.
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