Raymond Richard Martel

Mr. Raymond (Ray) Richard Martel, 91 of Advance, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024 at Trinity Elms in Clemmons. He was born November 11, 1932 in Lewiston, ME to the late Roland Arthur Martel and Helena Christman Martel. Mr. Martel served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and had retired from AT&T as a Foreman in charge of installing large company phone systems after 31 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Janet Mather Martel; two daughters, Kathy Southern and Linda Campbell and two sons , Larry Martel and Raymond Martel, 8 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren who all affectionately called him PopPop.

Ray prided himself on being able to fix anything, from household appliances to cars, the family piano, sewing machine and he even dabbled in making small furniture and decorative household items. In his precious spare time, Ray enjoyed going hunting and golfing, watching the Yankees and Golf Tournaments, tinkering with cars, and having family card game nights. 

Upon his retirement, Ray and his wife Janet spent a year traveling in a Motorhome across much of the country, before settling in North Carolina. Several years later, they moved to Ocala, FL where they enjoyed the warmer weather and the friendships they made in the unique Over-55 neighborhood they lived in. In Florida, Ray became an independent contractor for car dealerships helping to transfer cars from one dealership to another, at times even accepting jobs that involved flying several hundred miles away to pick up a car and drive it back. After 15 years of Florida heat, Ray and Janet moved back to Advance, NC, where he became a starter at the local golf course.

Never being one to pass up the opportunity to rescue an animal in need, Ray brought home several, including kittens, turtles, and baby bunnies; some of whom even lived long lives with the family. Ray especially loved his companion dogs after he retired and he never went anywhere without them.  

Private family services will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com