Rabon “Ray” Armistead, age 84, of Riga, died Monday, October 13, 2025, at his home while under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. He was born January 3, 1941, in Carthage, TN, the son of the late Hubert and Doris (Crowell) Armistead.
He married the former Dorothy M. Daniels on December 1, 1962, at Whiteford Wesleyan Church. Together, they raised three children and enjoyed over 55 years of life together before her passing on September 7, 2018.
Ray was a 1959 graduate of Whiteford High School. He went on to begin a career at the General Motors Powertrain plant in Toledo, retiring as a supervisor after over 30 years of service. He had a lifelong love of horses, dogs, and Corvettes. In retirement he enjoyed splitting wood, working at the Farmer Co-Op in Deerfield, and any opportunity to be with his family or enjoy a cold beer. You always knew where Ray stood on an issue. His sarcastic humor and fun-loving spirit will be greatly missed.
Surviving is a son, Brian (Jesse) Armistead of Deerfield; a daughter, Tammy (Tim Cline) Miller of Riga, MI; daughter-in-law, Leisha Armistead of Britton; a sister, Diane (Randy) Shields of Ida; four grandchildren, Austin (Olivia) Miller, Evan Armistead, Hunter Miller and Jaclyn Jacobs; his best friend, Nate (Billie) Clark; and his beloved canine companions, Rusty and Sierra. In addition to his parents and wife, Ray was preceded in death by a son, Mike “Swampy” Armistead.
Cremation will take place. A public service to celebrate Ray’s life is being planned and will be announced in the coming weeks.
Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Elara Caring Hospice, who both provided care for Ray in his final weeks. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.