Raymond Dale Kingry
March 31, 1933 - April 22, 2016
Obituary
Raymond Dale Kingry, 83 of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on April 22, 2016, after a short battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years Sheila Kingry, his 3 children Cindy Westergaard, Sheila Collins, Bradley Kingry and 4 step children Debbie Horsfall, Rick O’Neil, Mike O’Neil, and Thomas Brass, 13 grand children and 7 great grand children.
He is also survived by his best friend and brother Everett Kingry, his wife Arlene, and there three boys Randy, Scott and Mike. They have had a lifelong bond to each other as well as their families.
He was born on March 31st, 1933 in Ames Nebraska, to Isaac Ballard Kingry and Essie Mary Kingry. He was one of 14 kids, who all lived in a 3 bedroom house in Fremont Nebraska.
After graduating high school he enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed on a ship off the coast of Korea, where he fought in the Korean War. As a veteran of a foreign war he will have military honors at his funeral.
When he got out of the Navy worked as an electronic tech. for western electric in Nebraska. In 1957 he married Erna Jean Westergaard, to whom he had his 3 children. In the early 70’s he was divorced and met and married Sheila Mae Kingry, his life’s love of the last 35 years. They were married on August 26, 1979, and were happily married until his death.
Around 1960 he moved to Seattle Washington where he was hired on by the Boeing Company as an electronic tech. He advanced from that to a flight analyst in experimental flight test. He was selected to be the flight analyst for the 3 month world tour of the premier of the 747. This was the job he loved most during his career with Boeing. Eventually he gave in to his boss and entered management. At the end of his career he was the senior manager over Flight Test, the Seattle Delivery Center and Renton Preflight. When he retired in 1995 he was given a plaque from the Union workers. It had a whistle on it, and dubbed him the win win referee. He was a man loved and respected by all.
In addition to his Boeing career he was a private flight instructor with ratings in VFR, IFR, commercial, twin engine, with an instructor rating for all of these. He flew almost every day after he got off work.
Funeral will be held on Saturday April 30 at 11:00, followed by some refreshments, at Bonnie Watson Funeral Home in Federal Way. Then internment at 2:00 at Gethsemane Cemetery also in Federal Way. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Multicare hospice foundation.
I have so many memories working at Flight Test with Ray. What a kind and respected gentleman. What comes to mind are the diets and then the famous weigh-ins where Darrell Smith would ply Ray with donuts and put rocks in his pocket when they weighed. What a pleasure to have worked and known Ray. Rest in peace Ray. Your friend, Lydia
We feel so fortunate to have had Ray in our family, and we loved the time we were able to spend together. He always came with a big smile and kind words. Peace, love, and prayers to everyone during this difficult time.
Was an honor having Ray as my Brother-in-law. Ray was as gentle, kind and as giving as anyone. Ray always was willing to help my parents, as they aged, with fixer-uppers around their home. Ray had a big heart and gave Sheila and the entire family unconditional love. Ray will be missed.
My condolences to the Kingry Family; May God Bless You All!!
This is a beautiful history of my father’s life. I learned profound life lessons with him, mostly how to live with integrity and to offer gratitude for this sacred Life. 🕉