Mr. Raymond Frank Johnson, affectionately known as "RayRay" & “Raybe," passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Holmdel, New Jersey, at the age of 73. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, Ray lived a life marked by brilliance, curiosity, creativity, and deep conviction.
Ray’s academic journey began at the Peddie School in Hightstown, NJ, during the 1970s, when it was an all-boys institution. He later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Rider College. A gifted student with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ray excelled in every subject he pursued, especially those he was passionate about. His intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the classroom—he was a lifelong reader who devoured books with the intensity of a scholar and the joy of a true enthusiast. To further his professional aspirations in Computer Engineering, Ray pursued numerous continuing education certifications, demonstrating his relentless drive to learn and grow.
Ray’s passions were as vast as they were profound. He was deeply interested in the history of human civilization, particularly the pivotal moments that shaped our world. His knowledge of the Civil War, World War I, and especially World War II was encyclopedic. He admired figures like William Stevenson, the intelligence mastermind behind the Allied efforts in WWII, whose autobiography, *A Man Called Intrepid*, was among Ray’s favorites. Ray also explored the intersection of science and theology, delving into topics like the evolution of man, the mysteries of the universe, and the ancient world of dinosaurs. He loved searching for fossils and arrowheads in Monmouth County, and always sought to uncover stories of the past.
Music was another cornerstone of Ray’s life. A gifted guitarist and singer, he wrote beautiful lyrics and composed music that resonated with those fortunate enough to hear it. His slide guitar skills, reminiscent of legends like Duane Allman and Eric Clapton, could electrify a room. He played a lot in the D.C. area when he was younger and when he moved back to N.J., he frequently played at the Stone Pony, opening for Black Foot, Marshall Tucker Band, Gregg Allman and Jefferson Airplane. When Big Man's West opened on its first night, Ray's Bank opened for Springsteen. Ray shared his musical gifts generously, teaching his younger sister everything from changing guitar strings to mastering slide techniques. His talent was matched only by his joy in sharing it.
Ray’s spiritual life was deeply personal. Though quiet about his beliefs, those who knew him sensed his reverence for God and his commitment to living by principles such as trustworthiness, honesty, and the commandment to “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.” He wrestled with life’s big questions, particularly the presence of suffering in the world, yet remained grounded in his understanding of free will and conscience as divine gifts.
Ray’s compassion extended beyond his family and friends to the broader community. Though he never married or had children, he found fulfillment in mentoring through Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Monmouth County. He formed a meaningful bond with a young boy, building snowmen in his backyard, fishing, and even crafting a small guitar to begin teaching him to play. Ray cherished this experience and held the organization close to his heart. Any donations given in Ray's Name and Honor to this Charity would be a welcome gift! Please visit the website: Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern NJ.
Ray’s loyalty was legendary. He cultivated a close-knit circle of lifelong friends who remained in touch and gathered whenever possible. Their bond was unbreakable, built on decades of shared memories, mutual respect, and deep affection. As one observer noted, “They adore each other.”
In recent years, Ray faced significant health challenges with courage and grace. He battled throat cancer in 2005 with chemo and radiation treatments. Unfortunately, side-effects from the radiation started to appear in 2018. Scar tissue and other complications became worse in 2024, causing him to need a feeding tube in August of 2024, several hospitalizations and an extended stay in a rehab due to additional health complications. He was finally able to move to The Villa in Holmdel, NJ. Under the compassionate care of The Villa, Compassus Hospice, and CaringPeople, Ray was given love, they exchanged stories of great humor, history of his Family's Ancestors, and of course, his great knowledge of the world. The care and dedication that these three Professional Organizations brought to the table was exceptionable. They brought daily comfort and joy to Ray during his final months. He faced his suffering with quiet strength, never complaining, always resilient—a true warrior.
Ray was predeceased by his father, Raymond F. Johnson, in 1988, and his mother, Emily (Lee) Birdsall (née Johnson) Callman, in 2021. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters: Amy J. (née Johnson) Swanson and her husband John P., along with their children Paul (and his wife Lauren and daughters Sloan and Taylor), Anna, and Alan; and younger sister Elizabeth Ann (née Johnson, "EA" & "Liz") Buck and her husband Michael N., and their son Daniel C. Cardaci-Buck. He is also remembered by many cousins on both the Johnson and Birdsall-Couse sides of the family, including his Mother's Cousin, Elizabeth Ann (née Couse, "San") Jacobus Hardy, Nancy (née Johnson) Riordon, Susan Johnson, Theodore (Teddy) Johnson, and Linda Kohl, Patricia (née Kohl) Michalowski, James A. Kohl, Deb (née Hale) Smith, William (Bill) Hale, Virginia Hale, and David Hale.
Ray’s legacy is one of intellect, music, loyalty, and love. He inspired those around him with his depth of knowledge, his musical gifts, and his unwavering sense of integrity.
Ray’s sense of how we’re supposed to treat one another prompted him to often say to his little sister, Elizabeth, the line the from Elvis Costello—“What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding?”—and it completely captures the essence of a man who sought truth, beauty, and connection in all things. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on October 20, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad Street, Red Bank, NJ. A Memorial Service will be held on October 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. The burial will be held immediately following the Memorial Service at Fair View Cemetery, Route 35 South, Middletown, NJ.
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