ROCKLAND — Raymond V. Barnes, 88, died Jan. 25, 2014, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, after an extended illness.

Born in Malden, Mass., June 23, 1925, he was the son of Vesper H. and Helen Druïn Barnes. He attended Malden schools.

At the age of 17, Ray entered the Merchant Marine Service and during World War II, sailed all over the world on various Liberty Ships. In April 1946, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Pacific Theater as a sergeant in the Army Air Force. Upon honorable discharge from the military, he returned home to his family’s home in Malden.

During his youth, Ray often visited his grandfather's farm in Spruce Head. While visiting there, he met Elinor Young and the two corresponded, even while Ray was in service to his country. Family lore now has it, that Ray once rode his bicycle from Malden, Mass., to Spruce Head, to visit Elinor. The couple were married in Rockland Oct. 18, 1947.

Ray built their home on Dunton Avenue, where they lived all their married lives.

For more than 24 years, he worked as a truck driver with Congdon Transportation Company. He later used his skills as an accomplished aircraft mechanic, working more than 15 years as a mechanic at the former Moody Pontiac in Rockland.

Ray was always tinkering on or building something. He could repair anything and sometimes even crafted the tools to complete the job.

He loved animals of all kinds and particularly enjoyed feeding the wild turkeys and birds at his home. Ray's black Labrador, Hannah, held a special place in his heart.

More than anything, Ray was devoted to his family. He would do anything he could for them and loved having them around.

He attended the West Rockport Baptist Church.

Ray was predeceased by a sister, Lillian Lombardi. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Elinor; two sons, James H. Barnes and his wife, Linda, of St. George and Douglas Ray Barnes of Rockland; three daughters, Nancy A. Russell and her spouse, Beth, of Seal Harbor, Jean H. Stairs and her husband, Charles, of Warren and Susan T. Stein and her husband, Jay, of Rockland; two sisters, Dorothy Foster of Burlington, Vt., and Anna Simoes of Saugus, Mass.; a brother-in-law, William Lombardi of Saugus, Mass.; six grandchildren, John Stein, Michael Barnes, Clayton Barnes, Harold Stairs, Tammy Grierson and Elinor Stairs; four great-grandchildren, Nathan, Jacob, Courtney and Tamara; two great great-grandchildren, Maci and Chase; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit Friday, Jan. 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A graveside service with military honors, to be held at Ocean View Cemetery in South Thomaston, will be announced in the spring.

While flowers are gratefully accepted, memorial donations may be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.