Raymond Leslie Spann

Port Leyden- Raymond L. Spann, 88, of River Road, husband of Judy, passed away at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica, on Sunday, January 17, 2021, after a brief illness. Ray was born in Lowville, on April 9, 1932, a son of Leslie E. and Gladys A. Koster Spann. He grew up in Glenfield, where he received his education at General Martin High School. On February 28, 1951, Mr. Spann enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving his country stateside and in Korea in the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Discharge on February 27, 1954, with the rank of 1st Sergeant . He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal the UN Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. While serving his country Mr. Spann also completed his education receiving his GED. Following his Marine Corps service, Ray returned to the Glenfield area where he established and operated a dairy farm and logging business, on State Rt. 26, at Houseville for several years. At the age of 16, Mr. Spann began his long career as a logger when he was employed in the woods with his grandfather and uncle. His early logging experiences were during the era of the cross cut and two man chainsaws. After his dairy barn was destroyed in a fire, Ray founded and operated Spann's Logging Co., harvesting timber throughout a wide area of north central New York, retiring in 2015. Ray was married to Betty Jean Smith; later the couple was divorced. On June 15, 1975, Ray was married to Judy Gardner in Constableville. Later the couple settled on River Road where they have since lived. He especially enjoyed attending the annual New York State Woodsmen's Field Days and in 2000, he was awarded New York State Logger of the Year by the Timber Harvesters Association and was named the Woodsmen's Field Days Parade Grand Marshall in 2008. Mr. Spann was a former member of the New York State Timber Producers Association. For many years he enjoyed the sport of sky diving, racing snowmobiles, riding motor cycles and the outdoors. Ray greatly loved his wife, Judy and his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his extended family. In addition to Judy, he is survived by four sons and four daughters in law; Raymond (Lisa), Deerfield, Rod (Gail), Boonville, Ron (Denise), Boonville, Rick (Savannah), Boonville; three daughters, Rae Shelmidine, Moline, Ill, Raemicia Williams (David), Boonville and Stephanie Edmondson, Chattanooga Tennessee. He was predeceased by a son, Robin L. Spann, on April 10, 1997. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The last of his siblings, Ray was predeceased by a sister, Marie VanDyke and by brothers Dennis Spann, Kenneth Spann and Leslie Spann. Relatives and friends are invited to attend graveside services at 11:30 A.M., on Thursday, May 6, 2021, at Boonville Cemetery, where members of Charles J. Legion Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Tun Tavern Leather Neck Marine Corps League will confer Military Rites. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville.