Ray Flanders

Ray Flanders, 89, of Valdosta, died on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at South Georgia Medical Center following a sudden illness. Born in Eastman to the late Hansel & Ila Flanders, he had lived in this area for the past 45 years. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Following his service to our country Mr. Flanders attended and graduated from Mercer University with an education degree. While at Mercer he also played basketball. He went on to get Masters Degrees in Education from Peabody University and the University of Georgia. Mr. Flanders then taught school and coached high school athletes in basketball, baseball and dance for 25 years. He then worked in Valdosta and surrounding counties as a Vocational counselor for 15 years. A Mason for many years, he was past Worshipful Master of the Washington Lodge in Ellaville. Mr. Flanders loved his church, Park Avenue United Methodist Church and he loved fishing with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Betty Flanders, of Valdosta; two daughters and a son in law, Anita Gail Reaper of Atlanta, and Elizabeth Sharon & Steve Slaughter of Panama City, FL; three grandchildren, Tracey Grimm and Max Grimm, both of Atlanta and Flanders (Mandy) Clements of Moultrie; and two great grandchildren, Dawn & Allie Rai Clements, both of Moultrie. Also surviving are two sisters, Louise Hilliard of Warwick, and Elizabeth Walker of Tybee Island; and a brother, Russell Flanders of Atlanta; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by brothers Charles Flanders and L. H. Flanders, Jr.

Funeral services for Mr. Flanders will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 1, 2010 at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Rev. Willie Beasley, Rev. V.L. Daughtery, and Mr. Tommy Barnes will officiate. Burial will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 5 until 7 p.m. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanefuneralservices.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602