"Hey, Ray... I never, ever, would've thought I'd be looking back on our life together. For some reason, I thought we'd always be looking forward. Christmas went by. A time I always thought about because we went to Midnight Mass at Christ Church Detroit and how you would make me laugh at the most inappropriate moment. I'll miss that kind of fun with you. I'll always miss your smile and that twinkle you had, and, I guess I'll miss you entirely until we meet again. Celebrate New Years with everybody in Heaven! I'll love you, always... "
In loving memory of
Raymond Joseph Deeb
April 15, 1938 - September 11, 2020
Raymond Joseph Deeb, age 82, passed away suddenly on Friday, September 11, 2020 at his home in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. He was born on April 15, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to the late George and the late Sarah (nee: Mashour) Deeb.
As a high school student, he loved playing football and baseball. He was also a talented drummer in the high school band.
After graduating from Southeastern High School in 1960, he joined his parents in managing several food and beverage stores. His career also included the management of some well known retail stores. His proudest career experience, however, were those twenty years he spent working with autistic students in the Grosse Pointe School system. He was justifiably proud of the positive effects his teaching had on so many students throughout those years.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Susan Wharton Deeb of Grosse Pointe Farms, a daughter, Janet Mayfield of Jacksonville, Florida, from a previous marriage, and three step-children, Peter Flanagan, Jamie Sperti, and Patrick Flanagan. In addition, he is survived by three grandchildren, Grant, Joy, and Jillian Mayfield, as well as five step-grandchildren from his current spouse.
Also survived by Edward Deeb of Bloomfield Hills, MI , and a sister, Marge Deeb, of St. Clair Shores, MI.
Visitation for Ray will be held on Tuesday, September 15 from 12 noon until 4 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, face masks are required and this will be a rotational visitation.
Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Deeb's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Tributes
"Raymond, from the first time I meet you, your spirit was kind. Thankful to me for assisting with your mother and sister. I?ve never heard anything negative about you from anyone in your family, which is so rare these days. Your death has came to be such a surprise to all those who know you and loved you. You welcomed me into your heart and your family and for that I?m truly blessed and grateful. You will be missed, but I know you are in heaven with good company. Rest peacefully Raymond, you have earned your wings....."
"Beloved Ray, my best friend and Buddy, I can?t believe your life has ended , so young And a beautiful Buddy. God love you and you will always be in my heart. We had so many good times together, especially going downtown to eat at Popeyes.and many and many other things and places we use to do together. I was so sad to hear about your Passing. My deepest sorrow goes out to All your Family and your love ones. May God Rest your soul in peace. Until we meet again. Best Friend and Buddy, Nemir and Family"
"I was so very sad to hear of Ray's passing. We loved chatting about MSU sports. He was a wonderful person. "
"My neighbor?s brother,as a gentlemen he will be missed greatly by his sister Marge R.I P Ray. LAV"
" My condolences and deepest sympathies go out to the family. Gene Oakie"
"We are very sorry for your loss. I remember Ray always happy and smiling. May he rest In Peace. Best Regards, Jeanette Todd (Deeb) and Family"
"Eternal rest grant upon Raymond, oh Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he Rest In Peace. Amen. "
"Mr. Deeb (Ray), was my classroom assistant for several years at South High School. He showed up bossy and ALL man! We morphed into a team. He became my friend, confidant and someone I have cherished having in my life for the last 20 years. He has had my back, trust and believe - I have had his! He spent time with my son Andrew when he'd come to work with me - off to the gym they'd go to shoot hoops and chat about guy stuff. Mr. Deeb's mother would come by to see him at work and we, our classroom, lovingly called her 'Mama Deeb'. I have great memories of our time together. What a wonderful man. What a wonderful friendship. What a wonderful journey. I will miss him very VERY much. He loved his Susan. He was SO proud of his daughter Jan and her family. He shared every news clipping of his brother Edward, and his sister Margie and Mama Deeb were 2 peas in a pod on those visits to our classroom. My condolences to Mr. Deeb's entire family, all of his friends and even to the rest of us. We lost a giant of a man. Rest well my friend. I already miss you so much! Respectfully and with love, Shannon Holmes"
"My dear, sweet father, I can't imagine life without you. Gone peacefully but way too soon. As the saying goes, it really does take a village to raise children. Thank you for being the Commander and Chief of my village. You were the pillar of strength, always right there for your daughter and grandchildren despite the miles that separated us. We will miss your visits, phone calls and most recently, text messages. Our hearts are so heavy. Life will never be the same without you. Rest in peace, Dad. Until we meet again."
"Uncle Ray, you left us way too early. You will be sorely missed. I will fondly remember our good times together: taking me to the batting cages for Little League baseball, playing basketball with my friends, getting Rusty, teaching me to drive, visiting together in New York, Chicago, and Raleigh, all our family events, etc. You will be remembered for your fun loving personality, playing your Durbeke with my Dad, your love of cooking, staying physically fit, pursuing your education/career goals regardless of age, being a great father/brother/husband/son/uncle, and always being there for me. Rest in peace my friend."
"Dear brother Ray, Thank you for being the best brother ever. It is my good fortune, and a privilege denied to many, to be your sister and to have you as my brother. I will always cherish the things we did together growing up. Thank you for your patience, and the kindness you always had for me. My life will never be the same without you. Rest in peace brother Ray until we meet again. With love and so much sadness. Sister Marge"
"My condolences and deepest sympathies go out to the family. Ray was a great guy, who was always smiling. Rest in peace. Steven Deeb"
"Ray was the best person in the world to work alongside. All of his students treasured his patience and sense of humor. "
"Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire Deeb Family. We loved our dear cousin Ray and will cherish all the wonderful memories. We are sorry we cannot be with the family at this sad time but we are sending our thoughts and prayers. Love Mike and Lorie (Bernardo) Rogan"
"Ray was a great Spartan! Go Green, Go White!! Kathy Herzog"
"My cousin Ray was a great guy . his suddon death was a shock and big loss to the Deeb Family. Raymond was a wonderful person with his always present beautiful smile. He was a proud of his Syrian heritage and have visited Syria and Fairouzeh where his father George Deeb was born. He could speck Arabic fluently. He helped my family when they migrated to Detroit from Syria in the late 1960. He visited them throughout the years. He is gone but not forgotten. May god bless his soul and give him the eternal life. ???? ?????"