Raymond W. Genter Jr.'s Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the patriarch of our family. Raymond W. Genter Jr., age 86, passed away at home surrounded by his family on July 1, 2021. He was born to Raymond and Kittie (Herrick) Genter Sr. in Ludington, MI. Ray served his country in the US Army.
Raymond W. Genter, Jr. (Ray) started Ray's Flowers in Muskegon in the '60s. Ray met Sharon Lynne Glomb and they married on September 5, 1969, and they later formed Flowers by Ray and Sharon. They have successfully founded and guided the business for over 50 years until & through their retirements. Ray had received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Floral Association in 2011.
Together they have had many ventures and adventures and enjoyed their life at Duck Lake and winters in Florida. The floral business legacy lives on through their children Sherrie Johnson, Rick & Mary Fisher.
Ray owned Great Lakes Amusement Company along with his son, Rick, a carnival that traveled around Michigan area for many years. After selling the carnival business, Ray started making miniature carnival rides until it grew to the size of 70ft long by 4ft wide.
In 2009, Ray donated his collection to the International Showman’s Museum in Florida. He couldn’t stop making the miniature rides, so in 2016 he donated another 25ft long by 4ft wide collection to the Ludington Fair Association.
Ray was also past president of the Muskegon Mona Shores Optimist Club and was the only member to be named “Honored and Distinguished President” of Muskegon Mona Shores Optimist Club. Throughout his lifetime, he was an Optimist member for over 60 years.
He was a member of the Muskegon Northside Lions, Muskegon Ambucs, and was a clown with the Muskegon Shrine Club. Ray was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Muskegon Northside Lions, and Muskegon DeColores EnCristo.
Most recently Ray has been under Hospice care at his home and passed away with loved ones by his side.
Ray loved life, the flower business, carnivals, and circuses, but most importantly - his family. Ray is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon, as well as his four children - Sherrie Johnson (Kurt), Rick (Mary) Fisher, Michael (Shelley) Genter, and Michell Ellison; grandchildren - Nicholas (Claire) Johnson, Nathan (Jamie) Johnson, Megan Fisher (Derek Merkins), Paige (Michael) Warren, Bryce Genter (Heather), Mychal Ellison, Chadyn (Esmeralda) Ellison, Shaye Ellison (Brady), great-grandchildren - Alyssa, Sophia, Ezekiel, Kathleen (Boo), Kipper, Jasper, and Alan; sister - Phyllis (Egons) Vilcans and several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Charles and Pearl (Veltman) Glomb; his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Glomb, and his son-in-law, Dale Johnson.
A Celebration of Life Service and Burial will be held at a later date. Share memories of Ray at www.sytsemafh.com.
"Your memory is a keepsake from which we will never part. God has you in His arms, but we have you in our hearts."
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