Ray E. Hitchcock

Ray E. Hitchcock, 89, of Portland, MI, passed away on May 5, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ray was born September 27, 1928 to Nicholas and Vaunta Hitchcock of Clinton County.  Ray grew up working hard and driving tractors for all of the local farmers until he graduated from high school and joined the US Navy.  He worked aboard a large carrier directing airplanes to land. Ray excelled at testing parachutes after completing training in the US Navy Parachute Rigging School. He married in 1950 and was a devoted family man to his surviving wife, Dorothy E. Hitchcock and his surviving children, Gary Hitchcock and Gail (Tim) Benda.

Ray retired from the Michigan State Police and was very proud of his service there as well as in the US Navy.  Ray also worked in his shop on high performance snowmobiles specializing in crank work for racing.  He lived to help others and no challenge was too big for him to take on.  Ray was most proud of his home and the fact that he, Dorothy, and his son built it nearly a mile off the road. He was also proud of his continued work on the land and making pastures and fencing for their horses.  Ray also helped his daughter build a home and fencing for horses.  He enjoyed helping his neighbors and many family members throughout his lifetime.  Ray will be sadly missed by not only his immediate family, but by numerous other relatives, friends, and neighbors.

Following his wishes there will be no services at this time. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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