Raymond Edward Engel

WEAVERVILLE—Raymond Edward Engel, age 63, of Weaverville, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Raymond was born November 5, 1948, in Tucson, Arizona. As the son of a career military father, he lived throughout America, in states such as North Dakota, Nebraska, Florida, and Iowa. As a chemical engineer and driven global finance specialist, Ray came to treasure the time spent living with his family in the lands of his heritage, Germany and Switzerland. He was a veteran of the US Army with two tours in Vietnam, and he received a Bronze Star and two Army Commendation Medals. While stationed in Germany he met and married his wife, Baerbel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Werner Carl Engel and Alvina Anna Bokelman Engel. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Baerbel Engel; sons, Patrick Engel and wife Kelly of Merritt Island, Fla., and Jeffrey Engel of Waltham, Mass.; step-mother, Betty Engel of Lakeland, Fla.; brothers, Carl Engel of Pendergrass, Ga., Ronald Engel of Lakeland, Fla., and Richard Engel of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandchildren, Camryn Engel and Maxwell Engel. Ray was an incredibly devoted son, brother, father, and husband. He was a friend of many and treated them as family, giving freely and selflessly, consistently throughout his life. Gardening became a passion during his retirement in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. He was a loyal and obedient human to several loving dogs over the years. His memorial service will be held at Claxton Farm in Weaverville on Monday, April 30, at 4:30 pm. Family and friends will be invited to share stories and memories of Ray at the service. West Funeral Home is assisting the family. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Engel's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.