- Date Of Birth: July 24, 1925
- Date Of Death: May 11, 2014
- State: Texas
Raymond Lyndon Longley, July 24, 1925 – May 11, 2014.
Raymond Lyndon Longley, 88, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2014 of natural causes. Born July 24, 1925 on a farm in San Saba County, Texas, he grew up at a time when most people raised their own food and hand-made the tools of daily life. Pursuing an interest in medicine, he attended Texas A&M until called to service by the Navy to Okinawa in World War II.
He returned to finish a degree at the University of Texas and became a pharmacist, back when drugstores still had soda fountains. He was called to serve again in the Korean War, returning to live in Georgetown, where his double-breasted suits and sleek Studebaker Starlight Coupe were often commented upon among the ladyfolk. In 1953 he married Mary Benad of Round Rock. Living in the same house in Austin for more than 50 years, they raised a family of three sons.
Raymond loved to tend his lawn, trees, roses, and flowerbeds, just as his parents had worked the land. He worked as a pharmacist for 45 years, preferring to work in the small personal pharmacies where he knew the names of all his clients. He enjoyed playing bridge, which in retirement led to many a fine day at the Austin Senior Activity Center, where he served as treasurer while his wife coordinated the volunteers who kept the center lively. Retirement included many trips, including a cruise through the Panama Canal.
Raymond is survived by his wife Mary and by sons Mark and his partner Nick, Mitchell and his wife Debra, and Matthew and his wife Gabriela. He has seven grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his father Leon, mother Lorene, and brothers Leonard, Alvis, and Ralph, all of San Saba. His youngest brother Roger lives in Friday Harbor, Washington.
