Obituary of Raymond Wellhoner

Silver Springs - Raymond Richard Wellhoner, 84, died Friday, June 11, 2010 at MRMC. He was born Nov. 9, 1925 in Conner, FL. Except for time spent in the military, he lived in Conner all of his life. He attended East Marion High School until he enlisted in the Navy around his 18th birthday during WWII. Although his enlistment prevented him from completing high school, he still was awarded his diploma. Mr. Wellhoner was in the US Navy 1943-1964 obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer First Class E7. He served as Chief Engineman (ENC) until he retired from the Navy in 1964. During his time in the Navy he was a member of Destroyer Flotilla Four which was responsible for the recovery of the test capsule for Project Mercury, containing a monkey which was the first traveler to space. Following his service to his country, he, after 20 years as Fleet Maintenance Supervisor, retired from the Marion County Road Dept.. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Helen Mills Wellhoner and his brother Jack Wellhoner, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 46 years and devoted caregiver, Joan Tambornino Wellhoner, his daughters, Cheryl Miller (DJ), Sandra Noonan (Wayne), Lisa Patterson (Bennitt) and Vickie Joiner (Dennis) and eight grandchildren, Rebecca and Erin Miller, Travis Noonan, Ben, Garrett, Paige Patterson, Lee and Savannah Joiner all of Marion County. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at John Conner Graham Cemetery, NE 112th Ave. Conner, FL with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Marion County, P.O. Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.