Ray W. Meyer
January 20, 1935 – May 6, 2025

Ray W. Meyer, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center after a short illness on May 6, at the age of 90. Born in Providence to Ray W. Meyer and Hilda (Radtke) Meyer, on January 20, 1935, Ray was a lifelong Rhode Islander who lived a life marked by quiet strength, hard work, and deep devotion to his family.

He was predeceased by and now reunited with his beloved wife, Ann (Stamp) Meyer, with whom he shared 52 happy years. Upon meeting Ann he was adopted into the large Stamp family. He spoke lovingly about his memories of “The Farm” on Cherry Hill Road in Johnston and about the Summer House he and Ann lived in on the property when first married. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Meyer Reynolds, and son-in-law, Christopher Reynolds; and by his cherished granddaughters, Madeline Reynolds and Samantha Reynolds, who were the light of his life. He and Ann were always the cool aunt and uncle and he leaves many nieces and nephews who loved and cared for him with whom he had special memories, especially Kym Coffey, Susan Forsberg, Leslie Brown, Linda Forsberg, Lisa Forsberg-Ley, Karen Graham, Arthur Just, Chris Just, and the late Jonathan Just, as well as his daughter’s in-laws Anne and Walter Reynolds. Ray also touched the lives of many dear friends over the years. 

Ray graduated from Cranston High School in 1953. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1954-1956. A lifelong artist, after the Army Ray attended the Rhode Island School of Design where he took classes in Commercial Art. Ray began his career at Narragansett Brewery, where he worked proudly until the brewery’s closing in 1981. Following that chapter, he worked as a contractor, bringing his strong work ethic and meticulous craftsmanship to countless homes and projects across the state. Ray was known as having the best lawn and cleanest pool in Cranston, and he took pride in those accomplishments.

He was a former member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Providence, and more recently was an active member of First Lutheran Church in East Greenwich. 

Ray was a fan of all sports, especially the New York Yankees. As long as the Yankees won (and the Red Sox lost), it was a good day. Ray was superstitious about his beloved Yankees. He was known to sit in a particular spot, or say a certain phrase during a game, convinced his actions affected the outcome. He also enjoyed watching (and complaining about) the New York Giants and Boston Celtics. Ray enjoyed watching Celtics games with his lifelong friend of over 50 years Karl Kunzmann. One of Ray’s happiest memories was playing with Karl on the St. Paul’s Church softball team in 1973, when the team went 19-0 and won the championship in the Providence church softball league. He remembered the names of players on the opposing teams 50 years later. Ray was always an athlete, playing softball and basketball into his later years with friends and family almost half his age.

Ray possessed an unparalleled sense of humor and always had a witty remark at the ready. He was gregarious and the life of the party. He was an avid reader, enjoying books about history and sports biographies. He loved cars and we all remember his various convertibles kept in pristine condition. He loved to travel, with many memorable trips to New Hampshire and Disney, even driving an RV the entire way to Florida without stopping overnight. He also loved to go to the beach and attend his grandchildrens’ sporting events. Ray’s family has so many good memories of traveling, attending concerts and Yankees games, playing games of pool and ping pong, and celebrating holidays together. All those who knew Ray have a story and memory to share which we cherish. Ray was always there for his family when needed, he could be counted on to always provide good advice, a hearty laugh, support, and love. 

Special thanks to Pastor Mike Lembke for his comforting words, guidance and support during this time, and also to Erika Bliss, who was his dedicated aide and friend in his last few years. 

Ray will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His funeral services will be private and are entrusted to The Butterfield Funeral Home.