Raymond O. Grandstaff, age 90, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, January 1, 2024.

He was born on March 24, 1933, in Richwood, Ohio, to the late Leroy and Hazel Jones, and raised by his late adopted parents Benjamin and Jennie Grandstaff. 

Raymond and his beautiful bride, Nellie (Lowry) Grandstaff, were married in Rossville, Georgia, on August 5, 1952, and were married for 70 years.

In 1955, Raymond and Nellie joined his brother-in-law and sister, Mitchell and Evelyn Ross, as co-owners of Ross Brothers Auto Wrecking in Marengo, Ohio. In the year of 1973, Ray and Nellie co-founded Ross Brothers Salvage Inc. in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They set out with the dream of giving their six children a beautiful life and that is what they accomplished. Ray cherished the life he and Nellie built together.

He instilled his passion, courage, and strong work ethic in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was incredibly proud of his family and always tried his best to love and support them. Ray loved traveling, golfing, playing poker and supporting various charitable organizations. He served on the Highland High School Board of Education for many years and also served as president. He loved serving his community. He also enjoyed taking “short cuts” when driving and appreciated older restored cars.

Ray is survived by his children, Ben (Tamie) Grandstaff, Harry Grandstaff, Cindy (Craig) Capwell, John (Sigi) Grandstaff, Jeff (Christy) Grandstaff, Vicky (Derek) Kurzenknabe; brother, Fred Lehman, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, adoptive parents, and biological parents, Raymond is preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Parthemer, Vida (Parthemer) Ross, Evelyn (Parthemer) Ross Hamilton Preston, Rosella (Jones) Washell, Shelbie James, Joseph Jones; and daughter-in-law, Vicky (Kemp) Grandstaff.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10:00AM-12:00PM with a memorial service following at 12:00PM at Snyder Funeral Home-Lasater Chapel; 11337 Upper Gilchrist Road Mount Vernon, Ohio, 43050.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of North Central, 17700 Coshocton Ave, Mt Vernon, OH 43050. The Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Raymond O. Grandstaff.