Raymond Harrison Shelly, Jr.

Raymond Harrison Shelly, Jr., 75, of Cambridge passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at UMSMC at Easton with his family by his side. He was born in Fayetteville, NC on May 10, 1942 and was a son of the late Isabelle Jarrett Shelly and Raymond Harrison Shelly, Sr.

Ray graduated from Cambridge High School Class of 1960. He continued his studies at Danville Technical Institute until he was drafted on February 13, 1962 and was honorably discharged on June 10, 1966, where he served in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam on the USS Valley Forge. He received the Armed Service Medal-Vietnam and National Defense Service Medal.

Ray was computer specialist, accomplished singer, avid gardner and had many enjoyable times playing in national checker tournaments.

On January 9, 1988, he married the former Beverly Fischer Geisler.

Ray was a life member of the American Checker Federation and past District III Manager of ACF.  He was also life member of the National Chess Federation.  Ray was an instructor of Chess and Checkers. He and his wife enjoyed ballroom dancing and were members of several dance clubs in the area. He was instrumental in starting the Mid-Shore Dance Club at the Elks in the 1990’s. Ray was Past Exalted Ruler of Cambridge Elks Lodge #1272. Ray was a life member of the VFW Post 7460 as well as the American Legion Post 91. He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife Beverly Fischer Shelly, a stepdaughter Deana and her husband Mark Kozak; two grandsons, Jaden Windsor Kozak and Evan David Kozak; two brothers Stuart Shelly and Samuel Shelly and his wife Susan, and several nieces, nephews, and many friends. Ray was the son-in-law to the late Dr. Guy and Cecilia Windsor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 1 pm at Immanuel United Church of Christ with Rev. Dale Krotee and Rev. Cesar Gonzalez officiating with Military Honors. Family will receive friends from 11 to 1. Private inurnment will follow at a later date at the Maryland Veteran's Cemetery, Hurlock, Maryland.  Memorial contributions can be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, 5401 White Hall Road, Cambridge, MD 21613, Kitty City Rescue, P.O. Box 1259, Cambridge, MD 21613 or to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Thomas Funeral Home, P.A. in Cambridge.

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