Rayford Charles Styles
February 14, 1929 ~ September 21, 2017 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
Rayford “Ray” C. Styles, 88, of Random Lake, entered eternal life on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Gables on the Pond Assisted Living surrounded by his loving family.
Ray was born on February 14, 1929, in Aberdeen, SD, the youngest son of the late Arnold and Marie (nee Christoffel) Styles and on August 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Cowles in Aberdeeen, SD. Elizabeth preceded Ray in death on February 3, 2011. In addition to his wife and parents, Ray was preceded in death by two brothers, Lowell (Myrtle) and Berwyn (Irene) Styles.
At age 12, Ray knew he wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting. He attended the American Institute of the Air in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ray served his country in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant and an Entertainment Specialist with Armed Forces Radio Service. He was stationed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, from 1948 until 1952. Ray spent over 50 years in broadcasting throughout the United States, working with NBC “Monitor” and earning Montana Announcer of the year in 1963.
In 1969 Ray joined WGLB Radio in Port Washington and retired in 2003. He was a former member of Rotary, Knights of Columbus, and Lions Club. Ray and Liz spent countless hours fishing and playing cards. Enjoying old movies became a close second to his lifelong passion for Country and Big Band music. He loved his family, music and always said “GOD IS GREAT” when something good happened.
Those Ray leaves behind to cherish his memory include four children, Cheri (Steven) Miller of Random Lake, Arnold “Butch” (Karen) Styles of Port Washington, Barb (Jim) Connor of Kewaskum, and Kevin (Deb) Styles of Oostburg; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Carol Thies of Java, SD; two brothers-in-law, Jack Cowles of Aberdeen, SD and Dick Cowles of Bonners Ferry, ID, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass for Ray will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2017, at Divine Savior Catholic Church, 305 Fredonia Ave, in Fredonia with Rev. Guy Gurath officiating.
The Styles family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of Mass.
The Styles family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Gables On the Pond and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Ray.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Ray’s arrangements. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
