Raymond A. "Ray" Newman of Manistee and formerly of Traverse City passed away at home on Monday, August18, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer.

Ray was born in Traverse City, Michigan on March 14, 1956, to Raymond "Rex" and Madeleine (Whitmore) Newman.

Ray graduated from Traverse City St. Francis in 1974.

He inherited a passion for the game of golf from his father which led him to Ferris State University where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in the PGA Golf Management program in 1978.

While attending Ferris, he met his partner for life, Jerri (Lutz). They married on October 17, 1981 in Traverse City.

Ray's professional career included 30 years as golf course manager at Silver Sage Air Force Base, Mountain Home, Idaho.

Ray is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jerri; his mother Madeleine age 104; his sisters, Mary Ann (Ron) Robbins of Traverse City, MI, and Margie (Ed) McHenry of Okemos, MI. "Uncle Ray" will also be missed by his nieces Ann (Darin) Niday and Lizzy (Darren) Hart, and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Newman, his paternal grandparents Frank and Mary (Wicinski) Newman and his maternal grandparents, Donald and Madeleine (Becigneul) Whitmore.

Ray's vibrant, fun-loving ways, and gregarious disposition will leave a void for his extended family, friends and golfing buddies. He was an avid Packer fan and loved listening to their games on the radio – the signal was very strong from Green Bay to Manistee.

Visitation for Ray will be held on Monday, August 25th at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 3pm-5pm with a rosary at prayed at 4pm. Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 26th at 11am with a visitation starting at 10am at St Francis Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in Traverse City. Memorial contributions may be directed to to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or Manistee Homeward Bound at www.homewardboundmanistee.org . Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .