Richard William Doray, III

Richard William Doray III, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2024 in Erie, PA. Rick was born on January 24, 1965 in Jacksonville, NC. He was the son of Richard and Carole Doray of Beaufort, SC. 

Growing up in a military family, he lived in several different states including South Carolina, Maine, Massachusetts, Utah, and Pennsylvania. Rick was very intelligent, witty, sarcastic, and had a great (and sometimes dark) sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh, was creative, artistic, and had a very beautiful way with words (which is why we wish he would have written this!). His love for learning was evident in his vast collection of books and his extensive knowledge impressed anyone who talked with him. 

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served in many leadership positions and faithfully served a mission in Sao Paulo, Brazil. His favorite calling was that of a Sunday School teacher where his gift of writing and teaching, combined with his love for the Savior, touched the lives of all who heard his lessons. Upon graduation from Fairview High School in 1982, Rick went on to complete 13 years of college and earned several certificates and degrees including System Acquisitions Management, Health Administrative/Medical Records Administration, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Network Administration, and Cybersecurity and Information Assurance. He was employed at the Erie VA Medical Center for the last 15 years with his current job being the Records Officer. 

In his exact words from an intro blog he wrote 8 years ago Rick said, “If you need to know what I do to help peg me, I am a federal employee. I work at the Erie VA Medical Center. But that is just my job. My life is in the details of my family and friends. Anybody can do a job and make a living, but there is much, much more to life.” His greatest love in life truly was his family and was very blessed to be part of a large one. 

He is survived by his loving wife Gailyn and his 7 children: Joshua (Concetta), Jessica, Stephanie, Steven, Malyn, Michael, and Michelle all of Erie, PA; 3 grandchildren: Colton, Ellena, and Annamarie; 6 siblings: Robert (Paige) Doray, Diane Doray, Darren (Ashley) Doray, Crystal (Daniel) Moore, Cathy (William) Burns, and Ryan (Jessica) Doray. He had 22 nephews and 14 nieces, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Richard and Muriel Doray of Augusta, ME and Thomas and Dorothy Howorth of Commodore, PA; son Aaron Doray, niece Amber Doray, and grand dog Sadie. 

He was a wonderful husband, father, papa, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him and will be forever in our hearts until we can be with him again. 

A private family memorial will be held at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Wintergreen.