Raymond Louis Corper, Jr.

Raymond L. Corper 78, of Crystal River, Florida went to be with the Lord in Heaven Wednesday, January 24^th, 2024, surrounded by his loving son and daughter at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, North Carolina.

He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 19^th, 1945, to the late Raymond L Corper and Margaret Gallagher Corper.  

Raymond led an impactful life. His childhood was filled with interesting and loving memories that would soon mold him into the delightful young man he became. Raymond was an extremely modest person that didn’t like to boast about any of his attributes or accomplishments although there were many to be admired.  After he attended Villanova University, he joined the Navy as an Officer and jet pilot. Soon after, he moved to Florida and met his wife. There, he raised two children and was an excellent father and provider, working as an extremely skilled Carpenter/ General Contractor for many years until Raymond was able to pursue his passion for aviation again. Raymond became a leer jet pilot, transporting organs that were needed for transplants until many years later retiring as a jet simulator instructor. Raymond had many accomplishments because he never stopped enjoying learning and starting new endeavors.  What made his life exceptional was that Raymond was a caring son and brother, a loving husband, the kind of father kids dream of having, and a wonderful loving grandfather.  Raymond had a great sense of humor, he was extremely intelligent, interesting, and an amazing mentor. He was incredibly deep, devoted, wise and witty, creative, compassionate, and most comforting to talk to about anything in the world, offering his finest advice and sharing the best of stories.  Raymond had the most beautiful mind and the biggest heart.  As a true servant of Christ, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a devout Catholic, he possessed a virtuous soul.  Raymond aimed to live a simple life even though he was an extraordinary man.  Raymond was an avid golfer who also enjoyed most his life living in Florida, riding his bike, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, lobstering, boating, and taking dips in the pool/ ocean on a hot summer day. But, for those that really knew Raymond, they would call him Ray, and they would say that mostly he just enjoyed the good company of the people he loved most in the world.  He was kind to animals and nature.  He liked taking it easy, relaxing with an afternoon snooze, reading, and playing around in the kitchen where he would enjoy cooking, baking, and eating tasty treats while sipping on a refreshing ice-cold fizzy pop.  His humor, gentle demeanor, love, and patience will always be remembered, and his true legacy is buried deeply in our hearts forever.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Tyson Corper (Shontell) Corper of Florida, daughter Mandi Rae Corper (Travis Kurfees) of Statesville, five grandchildren (Abbigail, Kendyl, and Isabell Corper) and (Daisy Rose and Waylon Kurfees), long term companion, Holly Winsman, ex-wife Donna Corper, and a sister, Joan Owens of Florida.

A service to be announced and held later in both Crystal River, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Corper family.