Ray Wilkes, also known affectionately as "Papa Ray", 75, of Pensacola died Thursday, June 9, 2016. Ray was born December 17, 1940 in Mobile, Alabama.

After graduating from high school and attending college, he enlisted in the US Navy. During his service in the Navy, he was proud to fight for his country, surviving 4 tours in the jungles of Vietnam. He was honorably discharged after serving 20 years and attaining the rank of Petty Officer.

After his service in the Navy, he sailed the high seas in the Merchant Marines, and was involved in many dangerous covert operations, while seeing every part of the world. It was during this service that he met and married the love of his life and best friend, Harriette Nassar, who remained by his side until the very end, when illnesses caused from being in contact from agent orange while in Vietnam took his life.

Papa Ray is survived by his wife of 25 years, Harriette Wilkes of Pensacola; a daughter, Beverly Lee Wilkes of Gainesville and step daughters; Rachael Whibbs and husband JP of Pensacola, and Ashley Blackmon and husband Tony of Mobile. Papa Ray is also survived by grandchildren; JP Whibbs, II, Nicholas Whibbs, Delaney Whibbs, Tyler Nassar Hill, Alisha Hill, Timothy Randal Dicks, Terri Ray Dicks and Therin Ryan Dicks and great grandchildren; Hayden Lee Dicks, Damian Ray Dicks and Therin Ryan Dicks, Jr.

The family held a private service to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity huntingforhealing.org , which facilitates present and past service members who've incurred service related disabilities.