Raymond K. Harvey Jr., 89, Town of Watertown, completed a long and purposeful life on September 11, 2017. He had been in failing health for many years.

In keeping with Ray's instructions, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. There will be a graveside service with full military honors and burial in the Hartwick Seminary Cemetery, Town of Hartwick, NY.

Ray was born September 13, 1927 in Utica, NY, the son of Raymond K. and Claire (Bechard) Harvey, he joined the Marine Corps in Aug 6, 1943 at age 16 (yes, he lied about his age) and graduated the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, TN in May 1944.

Ray was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight in action against enemy forces in Korea. With the US First Marine Aircraft Wing, Korea, on Oct 17, 1952, Capt Thomas Moore, 29 and his Radar Observer, Tech Sgt Raymond Harvey, 28, spotted enemy trains 35 miles northeast of Hungnam in northeast Korea. The two Marine Airmen bombed and strafed until their ordnance was gone and then flew their Grumman F7F Tigercat out to sea looking for a ship that could finish the job. They found American destroyers off the coast and directed them by radio to a point offshore. For an hour and a half while the destroyers poured shells into the trains, Capt Moore and TSgt Harvey circled the target, radioing results so they could adjust their aim.

Ray married the love of his life, Mary E. Shields on July 27, 1962, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church at the El Toro Marine Base in California.

He proudly and honorably served his country for 21 years, retiring from the Marine Corps on March 31, 1964, at the rank of MSgt (E8). He then served his country as a civilian employee at Fort Drum, NY, working his way up from a clerk in the Transportation Motor Pool to the Chief of the Management Analysis Division, retiring in June 1986.

Ray enjoyed politics, golf and hunting. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Watertown Kiwanis Club, the Watertown Elks Lodge and Ives Hill Golf Club.

In addition to his wife, a daughter "Little Rae", and sisters Marjorie Munford and Charlotte McGinnis passed before him.

Surviving is a daughter, Janet Berlin, CA, a sister, Shirley Griffith, SC, and a cousin Camilla Moore (Terry), GA. Ray also leaves behind, long time friends Maggie Cullen (Bob), and Patrick Keenan (Bridgette).

Thank you caregivers Kathy Tibbles, Sandra Queal, Sandy Kriff, MaryAnne Greenwood, Bev Dalton, Joan Okuda, Tina LaCombe, Mary Ellen Longway, Miranda Tabolt, Ruth Ann Nutting, Leesa Rogers, Jessie Weston, Christina Runions, Diane Payne, Lori Parow, and Nancy Moore for providing Ray an enviable quality of life over many years despite his illness. Thank you Dr. Black and Nurse Jackie for always being just a phone call away. Thank you Melissa Netto, Shawn Smiley and Hospice of Jefferson County for providing Ray with the utmost in TLC, dignity and respect as he waited for Heaven's Gates to open.

In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Ray can be made to the Marine Corps League, Hospice of Jefferson County, or to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are with the Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartandbrucefh.com