OBITUARY Raymond Henry Edgerly October 8, 1919 – January 5, 2019 MAJOR Raymond Henry Edgerly, often called “Ray,” was born October 8, 1919, in St. Louis, Missouri. He descended from Judge Thomas Edgerly who arrived at the Oyster River Settlement, New Hampshire from England in 1665. He was the ninth in his line, which included soldiers who fought in every major War in this country’s history.
Several of his Puritan progenitors arrived with John Winthrop’s fleet in 1630. He was most proud of his grandfather 5 generations ago who stormed the bastion of Louisburg, Nova Scotia with General Pepperell in 1745; of James, his great, great grandfather who served with General John Sullivan in 1776; and of his grandfather Major Henry Clay Edgerly who was wounded at Seven Pines, in 1863, while serving with the Michigan 5th Infantry and later, became the Commanding Officer of the 8th Michigan Cavalry. Raymond received most of his education in California where his family moved via the old plank road near Yuma in 1926, Parts of the old road can still be seen.
He attended Compton Junior College, where he met Dorthea, who was destined to become Mrs. Edgerly in early 1942. He was an active member of the 40th Division, California National Guard in 1940, and rendered service to the State of California until his unit was federalized in early 1941. He was selected and completed training in battlefield surgery and medical aid at Ft.
Bliss, Texas in 1941. He was selected to attend Officer’ Candidate School at Abilene, Texas and graduated in July 1942, as a second Lieutenant, class number one, Medical Service Corps. In 1943, he was transferred to a Medical unit and served in the North African Campaign.
Later, he served with units conducting anti-submarine warfare along the South American Coast. Of his several decorations, the one he was most proud, was his Medical Combat Badge and his claim to have belonged to the Old Brown Shoe Army “before Pearl Harbor”. He continued his service after the war, as a Reserve Officer, with periods of active duty, until his retirement in 1979, after thirty-nine years of service.
During these years, he was graduated with a Masters Degree in Medical Parasitology from the University of Southern California Medical School and he received a Masters in Public Health Degree from the School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. Between his service in the Army, he managed to serve in three Health Departments, as Deputy Health Officer. These were: Riverside, Los Angeles City and Orange County.
He served as a Deputy Health Officer in Orange County until his retirement in 1983. He served as a Board Member and Treasurer to the Oceanside Manor Home Owners Association for eight years. He was a member of the Carlsbad Genealogical Society, a life member of the Reserve Officers Association and a Life Member of the 63D Infantry Division Association where he served as a member of the Board of Governors and as Treasurer.
Raymond was a private man, an intellectual who was an avid reader of history, with special interest in the Civil War, science and biography. His family was always his first priority. As their daughter Cynthia grew, he instilled in her his love of gardening and kindness to all creatures.
On one occasion, he ordered Preying Mantis eggs so she could watch the eggs hatch and the baby Preying Mantis populated the garden much to the horror of the next door neighbor who was afraid of them. He assisted, supported and was proud of Cynthia’s accomplishments. He transported and waited for her patiently during her numerous hours of orchestra practice.
After Cynthia’s marriage in 1979, he now had a son-in-law, Peter, whom he dearly loved and leaves our family in his loving care. Cynthia, now tapped another one her father’s interests, the financial world and he began teaching her the advantages and pitfalls of the financial market. Our Family expanded in 1990 with the arrival of or Grand-daughter Jacqueline and then Alexandra in 1996.
Ray actually helped name both girls. He also provided them with important advice: Excel in all that you do. You can be or do anything you want to in life.
Don’t believe for a minute that being a “girl” puts you at a disadvantage. Speak your mind. If you have something to say, say it.
Love all the animals for they are special creatures. Ray was very proud of his granddaughters. They are both extremely successful and daily follow his advice.
They have excelled in school. Jacqui graduated with Bachelors in marketing and is marketing and a Pilate’s instructor. She married Derek in 2015.
Alli will graduate from Regis University and Nursing program in May. The love of his life, his wife Dorthea, passed away in 2011 on April 4, 2011 on their 69th wedding anniversary. Raymond was a dedicated patriot, solider; a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Death opened its gates for him.
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