Raymond Daniel Sowder passed away on September 8, 2023 at Crane's View Lodge Senior Living in Clermont, Florida.  He was born in Kentucky June 30, 1936 to Ren Daniel Sowder and Florence Derr Sowder.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Eugene Sowder.  He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Aileen Burkes Sowder, two daughters Katherine Ann Sowder Smith (Andrew) and Rebecca Rae Sowder Tussing (Glenn) and six grandchildren Autumn Tussing, Trinity Tussing, Christopher Smith, Laura Smith, Arielle Smith, and Naomie Smith.

Ray graduated from Georgetown College, Georgetown, Kentucky in 1964.  Following a long career in college business management, he retired from Wingate University, Wingate, NC in 2000 after 16 years as Vice President of Business Affairs.  He was a USAF veteran and was active in First Baptist Church, Monroe, NC for over 30 years.

A graveside service will be held at Middlesboro Cemetery, Middlesboro KY on September 29.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, October 1, at First Baptist Monroe, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 109 Morrow Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112.  Becker Funeral Home of Clermont, FL is in charge of arrangements in Middlesboro.