Birth Date: 09/30/1929
Deceased Date: 02/11/2021
Raymond Torres passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Hospice House in Smithfield North Carolina. He was born September 30, 1929, in Flashing Texas to parents Ignacio and Manuela Torres. Ray spent his formative years in Kerrville and San Antonio, Texas.
After graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and fought in the Korean War. Once his tour of duty ended, as an Airman First Class Radar Technician, he attended college in Illinois to obtain an engineering degree. Ray was hired by RCA, which later was bought by General Electric, to work in their aerospace division. He spent twenty-two years of his time with GE working in military installations around the world. In 1980, Ray and three of his colleagues, were assigned to work on the integral wiring for NASA’s first space shuttle, Columbia. Ray continued working government projects in the aerospace industry until he retired in 1992.
After retiring and relocating to North Carolina, not enjoying retirement, he worked as a sub-contractor for a year with IBM and then taught high school math and science for one year. Ray then took a fulltime position at IRC Shallcross in Smithfield. He worked an additional 17 years doing engineering work on government contracts. Ray was forced to retire at age 85 when the company was moved out of the United States.
He was a member of the Kenly Community Church and the American Legion Post 132. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of almost 32 years, Carolyn K. Torres; son Daniel Torres, stepdaughter Nanci H. Conway and stepson J. Neil (Sandy) Howell and Brenda Howell; Grandsons, Brandon (Crystal) Torres, David Howell and Les Perry; Granddaughters Liz (Jason) Massengale, Crystal (Greg) Sharpe; Great grandchildren, Tyler Torres, Brianna Torres, Jack (Maliah) Robison , Abigail Robison and Isaac Robison and great great granddaughter Freya Robison. He is also survived by his sisters Susan and Jane and his brother David (Minnie). He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Saul, Frank, Isaac, Joseph, Ignacio Jr., and Sidall; and one stepson, Michael Howell.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
Raymond’s funeral will be held at Parrish Funeral Home located at 1351 S. Pollock Street, Selma, NC 27576 at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 20th with visitation at 1:00 and graveside burial to immediately follow in the Selma Memorial Garden Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Kenly Community Church Building Fund at PO Box 27, Kenly, North Carolina 27542. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.parrishfh.com
