Raymond Gene Davies September 12, 1958 - September 4, 2024

Raymond Gene Davies passed away on September 4th, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on September 12, 1958, to Howard and Florine Davies in Roanoke Virginia. He and his four brothers were raised in Huntington Beach California where he grew up playing baseball and became a die-hard Angel’s fan. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture from Cal-Poly Pomona which he used to pursue his interest in golf course management. While at school he was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Soon after, he met his sweetheart, Sandra Hoffman. They were married February 19, 1983, in the Los Angeles Temple.

After graduating Ray began his career as a golf course superintendent and worked at various private courses for 10 years. In 1995 he joined CourseCo where he became the Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Construction. He loved his work and shared his passion through his involvement in GCSAA and their chapters. Much of his career was focused on bridging the gap between environmental stewardship and the world of golf. Ray’s work earned him and CourseCo many awards and achievements over the years. His work was especially instrumental in CourseCo receiving the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for Sustainable Practices, one of California’s highest and most prestigious environmental honors. He was well-loved and respected within the golf management industry.

As much as he loved golf and his career, Ray’s true passion was his family. He and Sandy raised 9 amazing children together. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. Wherever he went, he showed his love to others through practical jokes and teasing. One of his highest priorities was spending quality time with his children. He was never too tired to take them swimming, hiking, or to hit balls at the field. They enjoyed spending time with him as he coached their baseball teams, served as scoutmaster, and took them exploring in the redwoods. He took every opportunity to pass on his knowledge and experience to his kids. Although his family was large, he found time to be involved in the lives of each of his children. From civil war history to road trips to potato dumplings, he shared the things he loved with his family and created many wonderful traditions. He loved his wife and children more than anything in the world.

Ray loved to tell stories, but the best story he told was the life he lived.

Ray is survived by his wife, Sandra, and 9 children: David (Melanie), Raymond (Jenesis), Jennifer, Robert, Lorraine (Joseph), Ann-Marie, Lisa (Devin), Ryan, and Stephen; 14 grandchildren, and 3 brothers: Robert (Sonja), Morris ‘Chip’ (Heather), James (Sharon). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 9, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 650 West 800 South in  Payson, Utah. Visitation will be prior from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.