Raymond S. Niemi passed away in Jacksonville, Florida on 27 October 2026 at 87 years old. He was born in Ironwood, Michigan, January 28, 1939. He was predeceased by his Finnish parents, Samuel and Martha Niemi. Ray was very proud of his Finnish ancestry. His wonderful loving wife Patricia predeceased Ray in 2017. She was his second wife, and they were married in 1980. Ray was raised in Muskegon, graduated from Muskegon High School in 1957 and from Michigan State University in 1962 with a degree in Urban Planning.

Ray’s career was in Public Administration. He began work with the City of Muskegon as a city planner. He also held Planning Positions with the State of North Carolina, and special created planning districts in Kentucky and Georgia. In 1968 Ray became the first City Manager of Vidalia, Georgia. In 1970, he was hired as the City Manager of Loveland, Ohio. Then in 1984 Ray and Patricia moved to Florida where he was hired by the City of Melbourne as the city’s first Development Director. Ray was later appointed Assistant City Manager for Public Works. Ray retired in 1999 after completing a 30-year career in Public Administration.

Ray and his wife Patricia lived in an oceanfront condominium in Satellite Beach, FL for 21 years. In 2004 two hurricanes, Francis and Jeanne, severely damaged their unit. Following reconstruction they moved to Jacksonville, FL to be closer to a daughter and family. They bought a house in Sweetwater, a 55+ community, and immediately fell in love with the active community and made many great friends.

Ray enjoyed a full life with his loving family and lifelong friends enriched by many personal interests. Cruising the world became a passion before and after retirement. He loved to visit all of the kids and spend time with their families. His love of golf, skiing, cooking & travel led to many great adventures, and he was always the life of the party.

Ray is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Sue Niemi. His six children; Kim (Mark) Hubbard, Kay (Todd) Sauter, Kendra Robertson, Nate (Susan) Niemi, Brian (Amy) Tobin, and Michael (Frances) Tobin. His sister-in-law Ann Vavolizza. 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and one more on the way.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21st at 10:00 a.m. in Quinn Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third Street South (A1A Hwy), Jacksonville Beach.

Ray will be interned in Cincinnati, OH at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery on January 28, 2027.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Anne and Donald McGraw Center for Community Hospice & Palliative Care. But Ray would also want you to show a little extra love to your happy hour bartender, so tip generously!