Raymond Lowell Haines, Jr., age 55, of Marion, passed away on December 4, 2015 at Riverside Methodist Hospital from complications of Juvenile Diabetes.
In 2002, Ray was the recipient of a pancreas and kidney transplant, and his family will forever be grateful for the years that this selfless gift added to his life. He lovingly called his organ donor “My Shelly.” In a letter to his donor’s family expressing his gratitude, Ray quoted Charles F. Kettering: “It is a man’s destiny to ponder on the riddles of existence, and as a by-product of his wonderment, to create a new life on earth.”
On April 8, 1960, Ray was born in Marion, Ohio, the oldest of three children of Raymond L. Sr. and Carol (McCombs) Haines. He graduated from Harding High School in 1978, where he excelled both as a gifted student and athlete. He played high school basketball, baseball, and was a member of the American Legion Post 584 ball club. Ray was proud of his baseball record and his family enjoyed many summer evenings watching him play at Lincoln Park.
A life-long learner, Ray furthered his education at The Ohio State University in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Later, he went on to earn a Masters in Education Administration from Ashland University. Also, Ray truly was a wealth of knowledge on just about any topic – history, sports, government, and current events. He was an avid cook, gardener, and Ohio State fan. He enjoyed his vocation as an educator, camping with his wife, and spending time with his granddaughter. His friends, family and colleagues admired his sharp sense of humor. Even in illness, he had a chuckle to give.
During his 30-year career, Ray taught at Taft Middle and Harding High schools, and served as Assistant Principal at Edison and Taft Middle schools. Ray continued on as Principal at Colonial Acres Elementary, and concluded his career as the Director of the Marion City Schools Digital Academy. Adding to his love of sports, Ray coached football and basketball, and served as Athletic Director while at Taft. He officially retired from Marion City Schools in 2013.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents: Raymond L., Sr., and Carol Haines; his wife, Jennifer Haines whom he married on June 4, 2013; two sons: Jacob Haines and Tyler Haines; two granddaughters Adley Haines and Harper Haines; two step-daughters: Jordan Siler and Lindsey Siler; a sister Becky (Bill) Welch; a brother, Steven Haines (partner Dawn Staiger and son Trenton Frazier); along with many other aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
His family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 8th, at the Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home, 347 W. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
For Ray, a proud alum of OSU, it would be more than appropriate for family and friends to wear their favorite OSU attire to his services to help make this a celebration of his life and loves.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to his aunts, Judie Hughes and Debbie McCombs, who visited frequently when he was ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to Lifeline of Ohio or the Juvenile Diabetes Association, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home. Also, please consider becoming an organ and tissue donor in honor of Ray’s memory.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Ray’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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