Raymond Phillip Staszewski

Ray Staszewski, 87, died at his home in Harrison, TN after a lengthy illness. Ray was a long-time member of Lakewood Baptist Church in Harrison, TN.

A gunfire sailor in the Korean War, Ray crossed the equator twice and rounded “the Horn” at the tip of South America. He served on four aircraft carriers. One of them, the USS Intrepid, is a floating museum on the Hudson River in New York.

Ray studied journalism at City College of New York and worked as a reporter, writer and editor for various news services including Dow Jones, The San Diego Union, The Hamilton County News Leader, and the Chattanooga Times.

Ray accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior on Thanksgiving 1980. His life verse was Luke 9:23.Following his first ministry at Fundamental Baptist Church of Escondido, CA, he preached his first sermon at the Emmanuel Baptist Rescue Mission in Los Angeles, CA. Ray attended Temple Baptist Seminary in Chattanooga receiving a Master of Divinity Degree and serving as student body president in 1990. He served as assistant pastor of the Rainsville Baptist Tabernacle, in Alabama, interim executive director of Maranatha Rescue Mission, editorial coordinator for AMG International, and assistant editor of “Realife Magazine,” a publication of Tennessee Temple University. He also taught journalism and Bible at Tennessee Temple Academy and served on the Board of Directors of MissionPoland. At Lakewood Baptist Church, Ray was van ministry director, a Sunday school teacher, and director of its Family Hour. .

Ray was predeceased by his parents, Raymond C. and Adeline C. Staszewski; brother, Richard, who died in infancy; sisters, Roberta Gauthier; & Carol Staszewski.

Ray is survived by Christa, his wife and help meet of 46 years; sons, Walter (Brandy) Staszewski, William (Lisa) Staszewski; grandchildren, Katherine Tyler and Wally Staszewski; brother, Steven Staszewski; a niece and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a gift may be given to MissionPoland, PO Box 681481, Schaumburg, IL 60168.

Visitation is Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakewood Baptist Church, 6626 Hunter Road, Harrison, TN. Pastor David Bragg & Pastor Ronnie Gilbert will conduct the memorial service at 2 p.m. in the church.

Interment will be Monday, May 2, 2022 at 1330 in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

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