Raymond Raif

Raymond Edward Raif was born March 23, 1958 in Houston, Texas to Aileen Gott and Kenneth Raif. He was called home by our heavenly Father on October 17, 2023 in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Raymond attended Smiley High School in Houston, Texas before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. Upon his honorable discharge, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1977 to 1981. It was during his time stationed in South Korea that he met his future wife, Chong. Later, Raymond attended Texas State Technical Institute, earning his Automotive Associate of Applied Sciences degree. Raymond was a devoted husband to Chong Raif, his wife of 43 years, a loving father to his two daughters, Natasha and Sarah, and especially loved his grandchildren, Connor, Brooklyn, and Ayden. They were the joy of his life. He loved the Lord and became a faithful servant of God. From 2006 to 2009, Raymond was a youth minister at East Texas Church of the Way, guiding young teens, loving them as a father, and teaching them to always walk with the Lord, no matter how life challenged them. What a great joy it was to later see the fruits of their wonderful lives. Even with the pain and physical challenges he faced every day, Raymond stood strong for his loved ones. Through 11 years of dialysis, he never complained. Most days he had a smile on his face and knew the Lord was guiding him. His faith and love for the Lord grew stronger each day. No matter what circumstances were in front of him, he always pressed forward, never backward, never giving up, and always enjoying life. Raymond loved to go fishing, adventuring God’s beautiful creations, and watching the sunrise over the ocean. The motto that was engraved on his heart was: Love God, family, country and fellow men. SEMPER FI. Raymond is survived by his wife, Chong Raif; daughters Natasha Raif and Sarah Watson; grandson Connor Green; granddaughters Brooklyn and Ayden Watson; brother Craig Raif and wife Jo Raif; father Kenneth Raif; uncle Marion Kimbrough and wife Barbara Kimbrough; nephews Brian Raif and CJ Mobley; and niece Robyn Watson. He is preceded in death by his Aunt Annette Kimbrough, sister Vivian Mobley, and mother Aileen Raif. A military honors service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Treasure Church in White Oak at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jesus Burger in Longview, a homeless ministry that was close to Raymond’s heart. Services have been entrusted to the Horn Family at Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home in Daingerfield.