Mr. Raymond "Ray" Edward Lavoie, 85, of Lumberton, NC, passed away Sunday, November 13, 2022. He was born in Lewiston, ME on June 19, 1937 to the late Albert Lavoie and the late Elise Michaud Lavoie. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and later worked locally as a plumber.

Raymond – but to those who knew and loved him, Ray – was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle who believed family was the most important thing in life. He would do anything to make sure they were taken care of or he was there if help were needed.

When Ray came to Lumberton, NC in 1959 to live and raise a family, he began his career in plumbing. He started as a helper in residential plumbing and quickly learned the trade. He taught himself to be able to draw plans, list the specs, and bid in the commercial plumbing business. He then became a Master Plumber and companies from all over North and South Carolina would contact him to quote their jobs. It was said that if he did not win the bid, not to worry – he would be the one they'd call to fix it!

Prior to his retirement, it was Ray who ran any piping that was required for installation at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, now known as UNC Health Southeastern, for expansions or repairs. He made many friends all over the hospital because he was there more than management personnel were. When he retired from the business, it was those who honored him.

Ray never met a stranger and would stop and talk with anyone, especially if were about politics or NASCAR. He made many friends over the years, young and old, and if you had ever met him, you would remember him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith Kay Lavoie; his son, Robin Lavoie; and his brothers: Billy Lavoie, Patrick Lavoie, and David Lavoie.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Davis of the home; his daughters: Crystal "Cricket" Bergeron and husband Calvin of Lumber Bridge, NC, Anne Marie McLaughlin of Durham, NC, and Toni Solesby and husband Danny of Clayton, NC; his grandsons: Phillip Lavoie and wife Lisa of St. Pauls, NC, Howard Reaves and wife Paige of Lumberton, NC, Scott Lavoie and wife Karen of Orrum, NC, and Amanda Reaves of Fayetteville, NC; and 8 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5 ^th Street in Lumberton, NC.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Floyd Memorial Chapel, 809 E. 5 ^th Street in Lumberton, NC, with Rev. Darryl Little officiating. Burial will follow at Meadowbrook Cemetery in Lumberton, NC.