Raymond James Ackerson II, died peacefully at home May 11, 2015 at the age of 70 after a long and respectable battle with lung cancer.
Jay was born Apr 24, 1945, in Detroit, MI to Mary and Raymond Ackerson.
A self-employed carpenter/builder by profession, Jay also served proudly as a Navy Seabee during the Vietnam War and received several medals as well as an honorable discharge as a Builder Second Class from the US Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven.
Jay had a passion for farming, gardening, hunting, and fixing things. He was so many wonderful things; patient, strong, mild-mannered, thoughtful, honest, and kind. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Beth (nee Ochalek); his children, Ericka Ackerson, Jane (Ryan) Swearingin, Dawn Ackerson; and granddaughter, Eva Swearingin. He is also survived by his siblings: Mary (Jerry) Elliott, Jackie (Rolland) Lynch, Art (Paulette) Ackerson, Nancy (Randy) Gale, Robert (Karen) Ackerson, Grace (Larry) Kalk, Nina Ackerson as well as his siblings in law: Alan (Sue) Ochalek, Dale Ochalek, Tim Ochalek, Jill Ochalek, Walt Ochalek, Andrea Jeffrey and many extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary, father Raymond, sister Susie, father in law Walt, sister in law Cheryl, sister in law Dale Ann, great nephew Joseph and close friend Sid.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd (between 14-15 Mile Rds) Fri, May 15, 2015, 2-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Sat, May 16, 2015 at 11am. Friends may visit on Sat beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 1475 E. Twelve Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071.