Raymond Engeling

ENGELING, Raymond Eugene was born on February 20 1926, in Greenwood Twp, Christian County, Illinois to John and Ora Engeling. He was the first of 9 children. He left Illinois at age 18, and made his way to California, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Phillips. They were married on October 5th 1946, at Wee Kirk o' the Heather Chapel , Forest Lawn, Glendale, California. While living in California, Ray had several jobs, one of which included working for Disney Studios in early film editing - a job he landed after becoming stuck in an elevator with Walt Disney. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during this period. He was ultimately hired by General Motors, which brought he and Pat to Michigan. He retired from G.M. after more than 40 yrs. of dedicated company service. During his years with the company he oversaw production and engineering operations in over 36 countries worldwide. Also during this period of time, Ray and Pat relocated their family first to Australia, and then to New Zealand, where his 2 daughters received the majority of their K-12 education. His commitment to G.M. resulted in frequent travel. Ray and Pat also loved to travel together, and went on many adventures, both alone and with their daughters. Upon his retirement from G.M., never being one to sit still, he became involved in local politics, and was eventually elected to the position of Grand Blanc Township Supervisor. Over the years he was a member of the Toastmasters, a tutor of advanced mathmatics at Mott Community College, and enjoyed his men's coffee group, "The Grand Blanc Big Boy Coffee Clutch". He was a social member of Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club, where he enjoyed many evenings of fine dining. He had a love for woodworking, and through the years, built many pieces of furniture including beautiful grandfather clocks. While living in New Zealand, his love of the ocean and fishing inspired the building of a boat, "Sandpiper ". For the last few years Ray has enjoyed spending time with family working on jigsaw puzzles. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia, 3 siblings, and many friends. He leaves to cherish his memory 5 siblings, many nieces and nephews , daughters Lisa (Steve) Kennedy, Rebecca (Chad) Lucia, grandchildren Brittany (Bryan) Maybee, Stephen E. Kennedy, Jessica Walker (Grant Allen), Brooke (James) Scott, Patricia Kennedy, Cameryn Lucia, and great grandchildren Everett Scott, Milo Kennedy, and Eva Allen. The family wishes to extend their most sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Tranquility Estates, Bella Vita Memory Care, and Heartland Hospice. Funeral services will be held 1PM Wednesday August 14 at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center 6063 Fenton Rd. Flint. Visitation will be held 11AM Wednesday until the time of the service. Burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Grand Blanc. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan.