Raymond Davies ‘Ray’

“Tenderly we treasure the past, with memories that will always last”

Ray passed away peacefully in the care of The Royal Stoke University Hospital on 27th June 2021 aged 91 years.

The Beloved Husband of Betty, Dearest Brother to Sandra & Geoffrey also a Cherished Grandad & Great Grandad.

Ray’s funeral took place on Monday 12th July at Crewe Crematorium Chapel.

Donations in memory of Ray are going to the British Heart Foundation.

For further information and to offer your condolences,  telephone our Funeral Home on 01270 584447

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Ray was born on 13th March 1930 to parents Frank and Alice Davies and grew up alongside his younger brother Geoffrey and later little sister Sandra in the Fenton/Longton area.  He had a happy childhood and got on really well with his siblings in particular. In all the years to come, Geoffrey and Sandra would remain firm fixtures in all the years to come, no matter the distance Ray relished any opportunity to spend time with his siblings and catch up on all their, and their family’s, news.

From an early age Ray possessed a real talent for art, a skill he honed in his teenage years at The School of Art in Burslem, and would continue throughout his life, with plenty of truly gorgeous paintings and projects to show for it.  His attention to detail and eye for the aesthetic came in very handy during his time in the pottery trade, with roles at Wedgewood, Johnson Brothers and Midwinters during the first half of his working life.

Ray was in his early 20s, and out with friends at Trentham Gardens Ballroom when he spotted a beautiful young lady who would change his life forever.  He asked Betty to dance and, happily, she said yes – the first moments of a relationship that would truly stand the test of time.  I think its fair to say that even back then, Ray definitely knew his own mind(!), but in Betty he found his equal, kind and caring (Ray would later tell Betty he knew she would look after him) but also strong and able to put him in his place when necessary!!  During their time courting, Ray was eager to introduce Betty to one of his favourite pastimes – cycling, having travelled all over the country with his racing club and definitely clocking up the miles!  On one occasion Ray and Betty embarked on a tandem ride in the lake district, when not only did they wind up with a flat tyre, but – since ray had removed the mudguards, also absolutely filthy!! At the end of the trip Betty told her man in no uncertain terms that she never wanted to see that bike again… and was suitably impressed on their next date when he took that on board and turned up without it!

After more happy dates and plenty of dancing – when Ray’s excellent singing voice had also become apparent – the pair made their love official, marrying on 6th June 1954 at St Paul’s in Burslem, Ray delighted as his love became Mrs Betty Davies… The day was made even more memorable by their journey home – car to the church, and the bus back!!

The newlyweds moved into their home in Bucknall and in the years that followed welcomed their two wonderful children – Stephen and Beverley.  Ray worked so hard for his family, ensuring they had everything they needed, including their lovely homes in Bucknall and Alsager.  Each year the whole gang would head out on holiday and spend some quality time together, from camping in the kids earlier years, to trips abroad for a bit of reliable sunshine long before it was commonplace, where Ray could be found soaking up the rays, in his element!  Wherever they went, Ray was sure to make an impression, introducing himself as ‘Sir Ray’ (much to the embarrassment of his family!) and chatting away to other guests and members of staff alike.  On one occasion a waiter from their holiday a year before got a bus over to see them the next year – so loved were both Ray and Betty!

When it came to work, Ray went from strength to strength in his career, and at his most recent position as a financial advisor for Barclays, regularly received awards – stepping on stage to the sounds of My Way – because there was no denying Ray’s way worked when it came to getting the job done!  As a member of The Pinnacle Club – reserved only for the top staff members – Ray and Betty were able to travel all over the world with dear friends Iris and Brian, soaking up the sights and sounds of China and India amongst others, while returning regularly to Tenerife for their own holidays.  Even decades after their first meeting, Ray and Betty still cut a fine figure on the dance floor, whirling around the dancefloor all night long, and earning many compliments from fellow holidaymakers, who confessed they couldn’t take their eyes off them!

Back at home Ray would most likely be found in his beloved garden in Church Lawton; his green fingers working their magic on his pristine lawn and beautiful blooms.  He’d regularly pop back home between meetings and be mowing the lawn in his suit – grabbing any moment to work on his own personal haven, and no one can deny the success of this endeavor!

As his children grew, Ray was very proud of both Stephen and Bev’s their successes, and the adults they had become.  The family remained very close, and with the arrival of grandchildren Wendy and Lisa, Laurie, Claire and Emma, Ray was over the moon – even if he was somewhat outnumbered by girls all of a sudden!  If that was not enough, Ray and Betty were also very proud great-grandparents to the 12 youngest members of the family (deep breath!) Alice, Evie, Ben and Harry, Cameron and Lewis, Elijah and Jacob, Ellie and Isabelle and Harley and George – always made up to see them and hear everything they had been up to.

Even as he got older, Ray remained a force to be reckoned with, and that stubborn streak alive and well!  Throughout various health difficulties over the years you would never hear him moan or complain, and you’d definitely have a job on your hands trying to convince him to slow down in any way!  As always Betty would be on hand with a bit of common sense (and eventually seeking forgiveness rather than permission on subjects such as a chair lift!) but he always came round in the end… apart from when it came to driving that is – even when Betty started getting a taxi Ray would insist on driving himself!

Ray always liked to know where he stood when it came his health, and quite enjoyed the tests for his heart, ears etc., so when the time came for some extra help, Stephen and Bev went to visit the homes in the area, and after explaining they were there to help him, Ray acquiesced without too much complaint. He also liked to know where he was when it came to the pennies however (he’d worked hard for what he had) so when he went into hospital less than 24 hours later – his daughter joked that he must have seen the weekly price tag on his new digs!

During his time in hospital, Ray had the unwavering support of his family, who took shifts day and night to ensure he was never alone.  All washed, clean and comfortable, Ray calmly opened his eyes to Bev and Lisa before peacefully passing away – as with all things, Ray did it his way… and what a way that was.

May he Rest in Peace