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Raymond James (Ray) Walsh, 85, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2008, at his home surrounded by friends and family from complications related to Alzheimer's. Ray Walsh was born September 1, 1922 in Chicago, IL, the son of Raymond and Madeline Walsh. He graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School in 1940. Ray joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1941 immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He served honorably in the Marines, and was among the U.S. First Marine Division that landed at Guadalcanal in August 1942. Ray achieved the rank of Sergeant, and was responsible for aircraft maintenance at Henderson Field, Guadalcanal and was a member of the Guadalcanal Campaign Survivor's Association. While serving in the Marines, Ray enjoyed entertaining the troops with his impersonation skills which included a variety of dialects. While on military leave, Ray married Lillian Whiteford on July 1, 1944 in Chicago, IL. After the war, Ray returned to Chicago where he and Lill started their family, raising eight children. Ray spent the majority of his career in appliance sales, both retail and wholesale, working in Chicago, Shreveport, Cincinnati, and Albuquerque, where the family finally relocated in 1968. Ray was known as the consummate salesman, always with a smile and a joke or a story. He and Lill were avid walkers at the Coronado Mall as members of Sole Mates, until his health declined. Survivors include his wife of almost 64 years Lillian, and children Sharon Walsh of Albuquerque, Mary Marr and husband, Joe of Blackhawk, CO, Eileen Moore and husband, Barnes of Freehold, NJ, Liz Harper of Albuquerque, Tom Walsh and wife, Valerie of Overland Park, KS, Pat Walsh and wife, Tina of Bartlesville, OK and Tim Walsh of Albuquerque. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Other survivors include a brother, Ken Walsh and his family of Chicago, IL. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Madeline, a sister, Patricia Walsh and his son, James Walsh. A Memorial service to honor him will be held at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 30th at Christ Community Fellowship Church, 5908 Anaheim, NE, Albuquerque, with a reception to follow. A funeral mass in celebration of his life will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 31st at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. We want to extend special thanks to the staff at Presbyterian Hospice and Home Instead Senior Care for all the kindness, care and compassion shown to Ray and the family. French Mortuary, Inc. 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500 www.frenchmortuary.com
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