Ray Franklin Painter

Ray Franklin Painter, 89, was born on August 30, 1929 in New Tazewell, Tennessee. Mr. Painter passed away on January 13, 2019 in Ft. Pierce, Fl.

In 1945, Mr. Painter joined the U.S. Army Air Corp PFC 11th Airborne during the final year of WW11. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1948 after having served his country for 3 years.

From 1948 to 1949, Mr. Painter took, completed & passed the "Basic Course of study at U.S. Naval Submarine School", thru the U.S. Submarine Base, in New London, Ct.

In 1949, Mr. Painter joined the U.S. Navy. In 1950 began the Korean War which lasted until 1953.

He had been on 10+ Submarines throughout his Navel Career from diesel to Nuclear. After each Submarine he would leave for another he would re-certify which qualified him for 1 Dolphin. Exceptional Service.

During his tenor on the Submarines, he took Nuclear Power Training & Courses upon which he completed with credit and had demonstrated his knowledge and proficiency in the operation of the Nuclear Propulsion Plant and having completed all requirements he was designated a qualified OPERATOR thru the US Navy. He went on to qualify for many other certificates from schooling and earning recognition with medals that also earned him higher up qualifications & titles. He also taught Nuclear Power School.

Mr. Painter was discharged from the Navy in June of 1966 while stationed in Charleston, SC with his family.

He was discharged with having served faithfully and honorably with the United States Navy. His destination, Miami, Florida.

In Miami & still loving the Sea Life he went on to work for R.J. Reynolds, Inc. out of Biscayne Bay submerging on a "test depth Pressure Hull" called the "MS Privateer" that was constructed of a 6 Inch Thick Aluminum Cylinder, It was a deep diving submarine. He was the Chief Engineer for many years.

In 1976 after his wife and he had raised their 2 children, they headed to Ft. Pierce, Fl. and have lived there thru to now.

Mr. Painter joined the Henry Breault Memorial Treasure Coast Base in 2007. A place he loved to go every 2nd Saturday of each month and mingle with his fellow submariners and their wives or family member. They did their Navel business and then would chat about their upcoming events. Mr. Painter rang the 'Silent Service' Prayer Bell at each meeting for those fellow Brothers & Sisters whom were perished at Sea & weren't as fortunate to make it home, they celebrated Holidays, they mourned each losses, held functions for Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They are a close knit family which many of them have attended Mr. Painters funeral today. Those who could not be here are here in spirit as is with family members and friends who could not be here. He loved and admired all of them & all of you. Thank you all & carry on.

GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Survivors include: Mr. Painter's wife of 69 years, Julie R Painter of Fort Pierce, Fl. His daughter, Cheryl R.P. Horton {Bill} of Port St Lucie, Fl. His Son, Rodger W Painter of Wellington, Fl. Granddaughter, Michelle R Horton, of Ft. Pierce, Fl. His Grandson, Retired USAF Christopher D Weston of San Antonio, TX. He had 4 Great Grandchildren, Mr. Painter's eldest Brother, Howard Painter of Indiana and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Painter loved building Huge Model Airplanes & Submarines. He loved fishing, his family, his life and most of all his Wife. Mr. Painter is loved very much by his family. He liked and cared about by everyone who knew him and we will miss him. He is very much loved and will be greatly missed. Gone but will never be forgotten because he made an everlasting impression on everyone he met.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. A service will be held at 3:00 pm @ Haisley Funeral Home located at 3015 Okeechobee Rd, Ft. Pierce, Fl.