Rev. Raymond Edward Mayhew, age 87, went home to be with the Lord on November 19, 2022.
Born in St. Clair, Michigan, on July 1, 1935, he was the second of five children born to Eugene and Viola (Danniells) Mayhew.
Growing up, Ray enjoyed watching the freighters on the St. Clair River. He also enjoyed biking, camping, photography, jogging and reading.
On August 11, 1956, Ray married Barbara Jean Linderholm, his pastor’s daughter. They were blessed with four children and spent 30 years serving the Lord together before Ray retired.
Ray prepared for ministry at Moody Bible Institute, Detroit Bible College, and got a degree in religious education from Cornerstone University.
Ray’s first pastorate was in Hart, Michigan, from 1960-1965. In July of 1965, the family moved to Allegan where Ray pastored the First Baptist Church for 22 years before moving to Grand Rapids to work at Cornerstone University in the Church Relations Department.
Ray and Barb attended Calvary Church for many years where Ray taught a Sunday School class and made many long time friends. He also did visitation and was known for giving patients and shut-ins F.R.O.G.s to remind them to Fully Rely On God; as well as laminated Bible verses to reassure them of God’s presence and love for them.
Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara; daughters Wendy (David) Timmerman of Zeeland, and Lois Mayhew of Holland; sons Jonathan Mayhew of Allegan, and Nathan (Danniell) Mayhew of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Jessica Mayhew, Alyssa (Patrick) Walsh, Ben (Megan) Timmerman, Brad (Naomi) Timmerman, Easton Mayhew, Chapman Mayhew, and Maren Tepastte; and 3 great grandchildren Evelyn, Eliza, and Claire. Brothers Harry (Eunice) Mayhew, Eugene (Mary) Mayhew; Sisters Carol (David, deceased) Tolly, Karen Owen; sister-in-law Ruth (Rigba, deceased) Wolfe. Many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 12 noon Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Immanuel Church 325 104th Ave. Holland with Pastor Josh Mateer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Allegan. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, at Immanuel Church and 11:00 – 11:45 prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to Maranatha Bible Conference Memorial Fund. The family is being served by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home, 315 E. 16th ST. Holland. www.langelandsterenberg.com.