Colonel Neil V. Raymond

Colonel Neil V. Raymond

Neil Vanness “Skip” Raymond, Col, USAF, Ret. of Beavercreek, OH passed away on Monday, March 23, 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.

A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, he graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1963. After graduating from Virginia Tech, he entered the Air Force in 1967, receiving his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. He received his master’s from the Armed Forces Institute of Technology in 1975. He was also a 1979 graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and a 1988 graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Skip proudly served in the United States Air Force with distinction for 28 years, with assignments in the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia [483^rd, 71]. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

As a certified professional logistician (CPL), he worked as a Senior Logistics Analyst after retiring from the Air Force, ultimately founding his own consulting company, R&R Associates. Skip always enjoyed contributing to his community, including membership in the Beavercreek Chapter of Rotary International; the Miami Valley Military Affairs Association; the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and as a life member of the Air Force Association. He also served as a Trustee of the National Aviation Heritage Area (NAHA); a past President of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Greene County Chapter 382; a Board member of the Electronics, Engineering and Manufacturing Group; and a past Board member of the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Those who knew Skip will always remember his generous smile and his willingness to help with any project. He was a history enthusiast, who loved to travel and learn about new cultures. He was always excited to discuss a new book, a great movie or serve up a terrible pun to share a laugh. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose wonderful hugs in times like these are dearly missed.

The son of the late Samuel W. and Eddie (MacNeil) Raymond, Skip is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Cynthia (Armstrong) Raymond of Beavercreek, Ohio; his daughter, Cathryn (Raymond) Olson; son-in-law Daniel R. Olson; and grandson, Gregory C. Olson of Baltimore, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are suggested for NAHA (aviationheritagearea.org) or EAA (382.eaachapter.org).

A Memorial Service was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 Wilkinson Street, Dayton, Ohio on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Internment was at Arlington National Cemetery.