Harry "Ray" Raymond Atkison

He is survived by his wife, Florence B. Atkison, daughter, Kristi Atkison, son, Craig Atkison (grandsons Nicholas and Kyle) and recently united with son Russell Frame.

Ray graduated from the University of Oregon in 1953, with a degree in Political Science. He then went on to the Air Force and became one of the first jet fighter pilots. He joined the Air National Guard when he left active duty and was formally discharged from the Guard in 1970. After the Air Force he earned a degree from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in 1957.

He joined Ralston Purina shortly after leaving Thunderbird and was originally sent to Jamaica but then to Puerto Rico, where he covered the northern Caribbean. He met and married his wife of 59 years in Puerto Rico, where both Kristi and Craig were born. Purina then promoted him to Director of Export Sales for the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Bahamas and Bermuda. The family moved to Miami in 1969.

Ray funded a scholarship for his high school in Newport, Oregon. He wanted to give back for all the help he got in getting his education.

Ray also loved to travel and almost made his goal of visiting 100 countries, missing by just a few. He would delight his family with stories of his life and travels.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers or the American Heart or Cancer Societies.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.