Virginia Beach, Virginia Sir Knight and CDR Raymond James Grinnell, Jr., USN (Ret.) of Virginia Beach accepted his final orders on June 1st, 2013. Ray was born on September 8, 1934 in the Bronx, NY to the late Raymond James Sr. and Margaret Vaughn Grinnell.
Ray devoted 32 honorable years to the United States Navy, rising through Enlisted and Warrant Officer Ranks before retiring as a Commander. A true Mustang. He served during the cold war flying in P-2V and P-3A squadrons in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific, seeing action during the Korean and Vietnam War. While serving, he earned many notable military awards, including: The Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medals.
During his distinguished military career, Ray earned a bachelor's degree from Memphis State University and two master's degrees from The George Washington University.
Ray was a charter member of Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach. He served as a 4th Degree Knight in the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Roma Lodge and the Irish-American Society.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife Mary Langley; children Raymond James Grinnell III, Dorothy Grinnell Smith and her husband Michael Smith, Daniel Ernest Grinnell, daughter-in-law Dana Juliano Grinnell, along with grandchildren Andrew and Zachary Larmore, Jillian Anne and Fallon Linda Grinnell.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Vaughn Grinnell, as well as his wife of 40 years, Anne Marie Grinnell and second wife Claire Ames Grinnell.
A memorial service was held at the Church of the Ascension with military honors. -
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