Raymond Doty

A warm and welcoming presence in the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him, Raymond Doty truly made the world around him a better place. He was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and he faced every obstacle that came his way with unwavering determination and perseverance. As a devoted family man, nothing brought Ray greater joy than spending time with his loved ones. His solid work ethic allowed him to be a provider for many, and he exemplified what it meant to live each day in service to others. Already so deeply missed, Ray will be forever loved and remembered by those who knew him best.

The early 1930s were certainly difficult years for those living in the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing following the historic stock market crash in 1929, and families all across the nation worked hard to pull together and find a way to make ends meet during their time of need. During this dark time, however, there was great happiness to be found in the household of Basil and Erma Doty of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they awaited the arrival of their first child. It was on April 22 of 1930 that they were thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Raymond.

In his later years, Ray would look back on his childhood with fondness. He was raised in the family home in Grand Rapids alongside his three younger siblings, Rina, Max, and Phyllis. Ray loved fishing from a young age, a passion that would last throughout his entire life. He built the strong foundation of his work ethic as a boy working on his grandfather’s vegetable farm across the street. Throughout his childhood, Ray attended local schools in Grand Rapids. After finishing 10th grade, he joined the United States Air Force. Ray genuinely enjoyed his time as a mailman in the military.

It was while Ray was serving in the Air Force that his life was forever changed by a wonderful young woman named Shirley Greenwood. He was stationed at the Wurtsmith Air Base in Oscoda, Michigan, at the time. Ray stopped by a local diner, where Shirley happened to be working. A friend set them up on a blind date, and there was an instant spark. The rest was history. Head over heels in love, Ray and Shirley were united in marriage in 1951. The two would go on to spend more than 70 wonderful years together as husband and wife.

There was nothing in life that was more important to Ray than his family. After their first son, Ray Jr., was born, he and Shirley moved their growing family back to Ray’s hometown of Grand Rapids. They lived on his Grandpa Doty’s property for a time, where they welcomed their next three children, Debby, Bonnie, and Scott, into the world. Ray then moved his family into a small house on Smith Street in Tawas, Michigan. When their youngest child, Patrick, was born a few years later, the Doty family was complete. In 1963, they returned to Grand Rapids and settled down in their longtime home on Linden Street. As a father, Ray strove to be a strong role model and provider for his children. His five kids were his pride and joy. Later on, Ray was so happy to become a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and eventually even a great-great-grandfather. He always considered himself very blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

After returning home from the Air Force, Ray stepped into his career as a truck driver, working off and on for several different companies. His main job was driving a dump truck. Ray was known for his skill and mindfulness as a driver, and he could back his truck into any spot, no matter how small. At the age of 59, he suffered from a stroke and was no longer able to drive. Though his health forced him to retire and placed him on disability, Ray loved that he was able to stay home and spend more time with the love of his life, Shirley. He also kept plenty busy with odd jobs in his retirement years.

Never one to sit still for long, Ray enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He and Shirley were very active in their church, volunteering whenever they were needed. Ray and Shirley also took spiritual trips every summer, nurturing their faith. They owned a trailer at Meinert Park in White Hall, Michigan. Ray would sometimes travel to visit family, but he was always more than content to be home with Shirley. Throughout their 73 years together, Ray and Shirley were inseparable, leaning on each other in good times and bad. They were truly made for each other.

As friends and family members gather to reflect on the overflowing life of Raymond Doty, it is easy to see just how much he loved those around him. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and no challenges kept him down for long. A dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Ray made sure to hold his loved ones close whenever he could. His insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Ray leaves behind a priceless legacy of faith and family that his loved ones can be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Raymond Doty, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on August 25, 2025, in the company of his beloved family. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his sons, Scott and Raymond Doty; son-in-law Gerald Spencer; grandsons Patrick Doty, Jeremy Doty, and Teddy Totoraitis; and great granddaughter Sadie Franke. Raymond is survived by his children Deborah (Steve), Balderson, Bonnie Spencer, his son Patrick (Sue); his daughters in law Debbie Doty-Bush, Mary Doty; twenty-six grandchildren, plus numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Raymond was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who was in need. A service to remember Raymond's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday September 3, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home, starting at 10:00 AM as well as following the service for a light meal. Memorials in Ray's honor can be made to Reuben’s Room Cat Rescue. To leave a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com