Ray L. Hartless, a longtime resident of Suffolk, Hampton Roads, and New Jersey, died on February 13, 2025 at Sentara Obici Hospital at the age of 83. He was born December 15, 1941 in Lynchburg, VA to Jesse P. and Evelyn B. Hartless. Ray graduated from Warwick High School, and he received chemistry degrees from both the College of William & Mary and UNC Greensboro. He married his wife Judene Branch on August 28, 1965 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Ray worked as a chemist for AT&T, and he was awarded several patents during his stint at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ. He gave through community service, most notably at Lake Prince Woods in Suffolk and in helping many people quit cigarette smoking. Ray was a talented drummer and was known for his sense of humor. In his later years he took up painting, dancing, and genealogy.
Ray’s wife Judene and his siblings predeceased him, but he is survived by sons Glen and David Hartless and three grandchildren, Rosemary & Evelyn Hartless and Reika Hirose.
In lieu of a funeral service, a Community Visitation will be held on Monday February 24th from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Funeral Home, Newport News. A private interment is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25th at 1 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be made to the Employee Assistance Fund of EveryAge.org, YMCA of South Hampton Roads, or well-wishers’ charity of choice.
