PORTLAND – C. Raymond “Ray” Segars, 91, of Gray, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, Sept. 11, at Maine Medical Center, after spending the day surrounded by his family.

He was born May 25, 1914, in New Gloucester, the son of Amy and Bernald Segars. He graduated from New Gloucester High School in 1931.

He joined the Civil Conservation Corps in 1934, followed by a nearly 20-year career with the E.I. Dupont Box Shop in 1938. He then went into business for himself as a carpenter. He built and renovated many homes in Gray and New Gloucester. He built his daughter’s home, and he even helped build several of his grandchildren’s homes when he was well into his 70s.

After his retirement, he enjoyed making wooden toys for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very skilled at his trade; several years ago he built three-quarter size grandfather clocks for his daughter and all his grandchildren. We are all proud owners of his many wooden creations.

He married the former Nellie Rowe on Sept. 3, 1937. Together they raised two daughters and a niece, plus a number of foster children. They moved into the home he built for them in Gray in 1952. They celebrated 54 years of marriage just before her death in January 1992. A daughter, Helen Gary, also predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife of 11 years, the former Phyllis Newbegin; his daughter, Shirley Ordway and her husband, Noel, of Gray; his niece, Betty Robidoux of West Springfield, Mass.; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

His family would like to thank the staff of units P3CD and Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center for the kind and compassionate care they gave him, and the staff and residents at the Inn at Village Square in Gorham, who made his life so comfortable and enjoyable for the three weeks prior to his death.

Copy the Story Link