Ray Couch, Sr.

Ray Hoskins Couch was born in rural Kentucky on August 21,1930. The oldest of four kids, he learned about responsibility as he had to help raise two youngest siblings. He lied about his age and joined the US Army. He served his country with honor for over 21 years. He moved his family to Orlando, Florida in 1973. Here he started his own business a couple of years later. He owned and operated Couch's Heating & Air Conditioning for 30 years. During this time, he would get up in the middle of the night or work his weekends or even work in a hurricane to make sure his customers were ok.

Beyond all of this, my father was a family man. He was married to our mother, Beechie, the love of his life for over 62 years. He had six children (Marvin, Rita, Richard, Rhonda, Ray Jr, and Shawn). He had fourteen grandchildren and was blessed with four great grandchildren. He loved his family with everything he had. He sacrificed for us because he loved us more than he loved himself. If you needed anything, he would drop everything to help you. He would light up
when he got to spend time with us. We loved how he used to laugh. We respected him more than words can say. He loved the simple things in life like Western movies, ghost stories, hamburgers, nature, road trips and spending time with his family.

His granddaughter, Heather Hawks, posted a very touching tribute to him online. I'd like to share a part of that with you. "My grandfather was a man of few words, but he taught me so many things. He was a man of action, and every single one of his actions taught me what unconditional love is. He always made time for his wife, kids, and grandkids. He worked as long as his body would allow supporting his family and his country. Our nation has lost a hero and a
good man.
One main thing I have taken to heart from him is this: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN
WORDS."

In the end, Ray Couch wasn't famous or rich. He was a decent, loving, brave, honorable, faithful, kind man who served his country when she needed him most. He loved God and believed in responsibility and duty and never shirked from them.In all things, he was steady as a hammer. You could always count on him. He never put his own needs above anyone. He loved his wife with all of his heart and adored his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. In the end,
that's all we needed. We will miss you until we see you again, and we are proud to be your legacy. We will love you always.

Death leaves a heartbreak no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Written on an Irish headstone.

So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7

A Remembrance Service will be held on July 24th, 2015 at 6pm at Faith Assembly Michigan Street Campus at 2740 East Michigan Street in Orlando, Fl. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation be made to the Buckhorn Children & Family Services (www.buckhorn.org ) or the Michael J Fox Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org ).