Mt. Dora, FL/West Barre – The Lord called home one of his finest when Ray Markle, 85 of Mt. Dora, Florida, entered into rest on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his children, following a short illness. He was a hard-working, generous and gentle man, who leaves a legacy of kindness.
Born April 4, 1936 in Elba, NY, to Lewis and Margaret (Say) Markle, Ray married the love of his life, Patricia Garrison, in 1956. Together they raised three children, children Lanor (Joe) Markle-Monachino of Elba, Dana (Karen) Markle of Oakfield, and Valerie (Greg) Seidel of Winter Park, Florida.
Ray started his career at the Elba O&E. He was a member of the International Operating Engineers Union, and worked with Keeler Construction and many other construction crews throughout Western New York. In West Barre, he was known as The Keeper of the Light.
After retiring to Florida in 1992, he spent time with the Tampa Parks Department and Tampa Tribune before fully retiring in Mt. Dora. In Mt. Dora, Ray lived on 10 acres of beautiful rolling land with a menagerie of cattle, horses, burros, peacocks, chickens and other animals over the years. He hosted many visitors from around the world during his time in Mt. Dora.
In addition to his children, survivors include his grandchildren John Gaylord, Kate Menas and Adam Gaylord; Samantha Markle; and Catherine and Cheyenne Seidel; 6 great-grandchildren; siblings Lee Markle, Eleanor Kerstetter, Reed Markle and Helen Shetler, and sister-in-law Beverly Silker, and multiple beloved nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Patricia in 1993, sisters Gertrude Davis and Rita Sue Woodworth, and brother Richard Markle.
The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion, on Thursday August 5, from 4:00-7:00. Ray’s memorial service will be held at the West Barre United Methodist Church, 5377 Albion Eagle Harbor Rd., Albion, on Friday August 6, at 11:00am.
A memorial service will also be held at his beloved Tangerine Community Church in Tangerine, Florida.
Memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Hospice, Supportive Care of Orleans, Tangerine Community Church or West Barre United Methodist Church.
To share a special memory of Ray, please visit: mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com
