We rejoice that Raymond Cebulski, 75, was released from his physical suffering to an amazing new life in the eternal presence of God on September 1, 2022. Ray was born in Trumbull, CT, on March 9, 1947, to Joseph and Dorothy Cebulski, both of whom preceded him in death, as well as his youngest brother, Jody. After attending the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, he served in the Navy as an A-6 Intruder aviator on the USS Kitty Hawk. During his Navy service, he was awarded a Silver Star Medal, 3 Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, 3 Navy Commendation Medals and 15 Air Medals for gallantry in combat. He flew 260 missions during his tour of duty in Vietnam. While in the Navy he was introduced to the love of his life, Pat, and they were married in 1973. After leaving the service, he eventually settled with his family in Grand Rapids, MI, where he helped found Innovative Medical Systems, a medical device distribution and healthcare systems integration company. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, spending time with his family and friends, mentoring those in his circle of influence, and cornering local politicians to impart words of wisdom. He was a quick wit whose many "Ray-isms" will be quoted in the years to come by those who knew him. He valued integrity, serving others, good kielbasa, and chocolate covered cherries. He was a member of Calvary Non-denominational Church for 20 years and most recently a member of West Cannon Baptist Church. He had a deep desire to understand what it truly meant to sacrificially follow Jesus, and there is great comfort in knowing he is in the presence of the One who has all of the answers to his questions. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Patricia (Thomas) Cebulski; his children, Stephanie (Greg) Quist and Joseph Cebulski; brothers, James Cebulski and Robert (Mary) Cebulski; sister, Catherine (Steve) Alexander; his beloved mother-in-law, Doris Thomas, who will be 104 this month; his brother-in-law John (Rae Ann) Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a legacy to five grandchildren: Dominic Quist, Connor Quist, Rowan Cebulski, Piper Cebulski and Gideon Cebulski. Ray's family would like to express their gratitude to all of those who have blessed him during his life through friendship, prayer and acts of encouragement, especially through these difficult years. Thank you to all at West Cannon Baptist Church for their support, to the doctors and staff at St. Mary's Kidney Transplant Center for fourteen years of care, and to the doctors and staff at Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion and Faith Hospice for their incredible ability to make the last days easier.

Visitation will be Friday September 9, 2022 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. A Celebration of Life service with military honors by the Kent County Veterans Honor Guard will take place on Saturday September 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at West Cannon Baptist Church, 5760 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, Belmont, MI 49306, with an hour of visitation before the service. The service may be viewed by livestream at westcannon.org/live. Internment will be at Plainfield Township Cemetery.

In remembrance of Ray, those who wish may make donations to St. Mary's Foundation through . www.saintmarysfoundationgr.com/saint-marys-donation or Saint Mary's Foundation, Donation Designation: Kidney Transplant, 307 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.