Mr. John Ray Lemons Jr.

Birth date: Nov 4, 1919 Death date: Feb 7, 2023

Ray Lemons died peacefully at Circle of Life in Bentonville, AR surrounded by his family on February 7, 2023. Ray was born November 4, 1919 in Dallas, TX and lived an incredible and active life for 103 years. Growing up during th Read Obituary

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Josie And David Jaggard

138w ago

On 29th July 1990 the 445th Bomb Group visited Tibenham, Norfolk, as part of their reunion. Two couples were assigned to our home to have Sunday afternoon tea with us. One of those couples was Ray and Jean Lemons, and the other couple, Jack and Dede Knox. That afternoon wonderful friendships began and the following year, we visited these two couples - Jean and Ray in Dallas, Texas, then Jack and Dede in Deerfield Florida. This was to be the first of several visits to the USA, visiting both couples at different times; they too revisited us here in the UK.

We have very many happy and treasured memories of Ray, and count it a wonderful privilege to have known this remarkable, generous gentleman. It was a joy to speak to him on his 103rd birthday, when he suggested that we should meet up again! His life has been a wonderful tribute to friendship and sacrifice across the Atlantic.

Josie and David Jaggard, Tibenham, Norfolk, England

Robert J. Toeppe

138w ago

I have had the esteemed honor of knowig John "Ray" Lemons, Jr. since 2007. He not only was an American hero for his service as an airman during WWII, but a true American gentleman and a class act. He served at Tibenham, England in the 445th Bomb Group flying B-24 's with my father, Captain Robert J. Toeppe.

Ray and I served together on the Board of the Kassel Mission Historical Society since I joined in 2007. Ray and Jean attended several 8th Air Force Historical Society conventions with Kathy and I in Dallas and Detroit.

As a POW from the Kassel Mission, Ray suffered beatings from the Nazi's that should have earned him a Purple Heart, that sadly he never received.

Ray will be missed by Jean, his family, and all his friends from the Kassel Mission Historical Society. RIP Sir !

Kathy and I wish to offer our heartfelt condolences to Jean, their four children (James, Mark, David and Julie), and offer our prayers and hugs during this difficult time.

Respectfully,

Bob and Kathy Toeppe
Treasurer
KMHS
...

Anonymous

138w ago

Sent a Beautiful in Blue to the Lemons family.

Vibrant flowers including white lilies and daisies fill a blue vase, brightening the space.

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Anonymous

138w ago

Sent a Sacred Duty Spray to the Lemons family.

A beautiful floral tribute with roses, lilies, and ferns in patriotic colors.

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Andrew Hawker

139w ago

We met Ray & Jean when they came to Norwich in 2001 for the re-opening of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, and also at several 2nd ADA Conventions in the US, when it was always a great pleasure to enjoy their company. In particular, we remember Ray stepping into the breach to help organise the 2008 Convention in Dallas when the principal organiser fell ill.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Jean and all Ray's family on their loss of a wonderful patriarch.
Andrew & Andrea Hawker

Andrew Hawker

139w ago

Andrea & I send Jean and all Ray's family our heartfelt condolences on their loss of a wonderful patriarch. We met them in 2001 when they came to Norwich for the re-opening of the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, and again at numerous 2nd ADA Conventions in the US, when it was always a great pleasure to do so. In particular, I remember that he stepped into the breach to help organise the 2008 Convention in Dallas when the principal organiser fell ill.

Andrew & Andrea Hawker

Matthew Martin

139w ago

I was very sorry to hear about Ray . I met him and Jean at conventions held in the States by the 2nd Air Division USAAF . They were always delightful company. My memory(which may be faulty) was that Ray became a prisoner of war in the 2nd World War
With all my sympathies .
Matthew Martin
Norwich
UK

Jim Bertram

139w ago

Thank you Ray for your extraordinary service. Thank you for your valued input and participation with the Kassel Mission Historical Society. We know our father was honored to serve with you. Our sincere condolences to the Lemons family, Ray was a wonderful man. The Bertram Family.

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