Ray C. Doolittle, 96, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2013. He was born in Arlington Ohio, to the late Grover and Carrie (Shearer) Doolittle and lived most of his life in the Akron Area. Ray retired from the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company in 1976, with 34 years of service in the bead room. Mr. Doolittle liked to travel and loved listening to music, which he accompanied by playing his guitar. Rays greatest passion was golfing and he was proud of making two holes in one, the first when he was 82 years old and the second when he was 92.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years Hazel; daughter, Shirley Brown; brother, Franklin; and sisters, Arvilla Cole and Ruth Bill. He is survived by his daughters, Arleen McCoy, and Sandi Connel; 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 17 great great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St., with Chaplain David Beesing officiating. Following the service at the funeral home, a private family interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, from 12 to 1 p.m.
Ray was a loving Christian, Dad, and Grandpa, and was an inspiration to everyone he met. The family of Mr. Doolittle offers a gracious thank you to the Asera Care Hospice team, and to his daughter, Sandi, for his exceptional care.
