Ray Lee Hyatt, 80, peacefully passed away in the loving hands of his wife and family, August 1, 2021. Ray was born in Haywood County, North Carolina on October 23, 1940. Together with his parents and siblings, he moved to the Hampton-Newport News area in 1952. After graduating from Hampton High School in 1959, Ray began a career working for the Newport News Shipyard where he became the youngest person to be a supervisor at age 22. Through the years Ray was promoted many times attaining the position of Section Superintendent. He was awarded numerous Cost Improvement Program (CIP) certificates. Ray was a member of the Mariner’s Club, the Progressive Club, the May Club and the Wythe Exchange Club, where he served as Treasurer. Ray retired after 32 years of service with the Shipyard. When he was not at the Shipyard working, he was diligently working his business of removing trees and stumps with his sons.

Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping with family and friends. He also enjoyed racing motorcycles, weightlifting, arm wrestling, chess and card games. Ray was a member of Pine Chapel Baptist Church and attended First Baptist Church in recent years. Attending Sunday Bible study with his wife’s class, King’s Daughters made him an honorary member.

Ray was preceded in death by his father R. C. Hyatt, Sr., his mother Evelyn Hyatt, and his brother R. C. “Buzz” Hyatt, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Rita; sons, Timothy(Carrol), Jeffery (Audrey), and Roderick (Corinne); daughter, Jennifer (Kenny); grandchildren, Kristina (David), Chad (Erin), Taylor (Heather), Mackenzie (Trey), Harleigh, Jeffery, Brittany, Robbie, and Alex; 7 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Nannette Jenkins (Ron), Joy Mahler (Michael) and Rebecca Stewart (Clyde); his sister in-law, Venus Ridgely (Steve); brother- in-law, Rodney Walsh, Samuel Walsh and Rolfe Walsh; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Ray was a well-loved and respected father to his family and to anyone else needing a father figure. He was our responsible hero as a dad and brother.

Our family extends special thanks to the Riverside Regional Medical Center doctors attending him for many years as well as the Riverside Hospice care team who compassionately cared for him. We also thank the many family members and friends who helped us walk this difficult journey.

A receiving of friends will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA. A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, August 5, at First Baptist Church, 12716 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. Interment will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.