Raymond “Ray” Lloyd Dole, 70, of Claremont, NH, died peacefully at his home with his son Chad by his side after a long illness, on November 14, 2014.

He was born in Lebanon, NH on April 11, 1944 the son of Alfred and Dora (Kimball) Dole.

When Ray was growing up he enjoyed working on the farm helping his Dad.

Ray was honorably discharged from the United States Army, having served in Vietnam.  His training consisted of supply spec, clerk gen phase and wheeled vehicles.  Ray was a proud veteran helping go defend his country and he had received the following medals, the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 60.

He was employed by Sturm Ruger and Bourdon’s Mattress Company.

Ray enjoyed, fishing, car shows, fairs, watching his brother-in-laws and nephews race, NASCAR, mud bogs, working on vehicles, eating breakfast, evening ice cream, going to places where his son had worked on painting, exchanging auto magazines with his brother, John and going to bingo with his sisters, the simple things like shopping, laundry, sitting on the porch together, greeting his son in the morning before work and asking how his day went when he returned home from work.  When it came to spending time with his son, he was just plain happy no matter what it was just to spend that time with him.

Ray also loved farming, caring for the animals, the outdoors, watching wrestling, auctions and other shows on TV, tractor and horse pulls, spending time at his friends farm, Lance & Caroling Simons and going to auctions with Lance.

Over the years Ray continued to help people and enjoyed visiting with family and friends, he will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his son, Chad Everett Dole; one step son, Kevin Scott; one brother, John Dole and his wife, Peggy of Newport; four sisters, Joan Spencer of Claremont, Marion Bly and her husband, Nathan of Claremont, Donna Bushnell and her husband, Arthur of Meredith, Shirley Bly and her husband, Jerry of Claremont; like a son, Kenneth Wright, several nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Eugene Dole in 1966 and George Dole in 1988 and one brother-in-law, Neal Spencer.

A special thanks to John Dole, Diana and Patsy for their support in helping care for Ray during his long illness.

Graveside services will be held at the West Claremont Burying Grounds in Claremont, with full military honors on Saturday, November 22^nd at 11AM, with Pastor Joe Gnatek officiating.

Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Home and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743.

In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations toward the funeral expenses and can be mailed to the funeral home.