Raymond Ellis VerMilyea

Raymond Ellis VerMilyea, 59, passed away Thursday morning, February 22, 2024 at his home in Houston, Texas.

Raymond, also known as Toby, was born to William H. and Sandra Y. VerMilyea, on August 8, 1964, in Richmond, Texas. He was raised in Houston and later moved to Irving, Texas to study at the Advanced Technical Institution earning his certification in Electronic Technology. During his venture to Irving, he met his wife, Maria, in 1991 and they were married on May 18, 1993. Together they had their first daughter Christina in 1994, who unfortunately passed away at 5 months. They then went on to have two more daughters and later moved back to Houston in 2005.

Rayme was what you called a “Jack-Of-All-Trades”, his skills were numerous and his jobs were truly diverse. His most prominent successes were being a chemical technician, mechanic, cook, security guard, test driver, painter, and a manager at both Napa and O’Reilly Auto Parts. To his family, he was a gardener, inventor, chef, comedian, musician, and the best father and grandfather we could have ever imagined.

While Raymond left us far too soon, he poured his soul into playing the piano with so much passion and love, it could cure any ailment listening to his melodies. He loved to race, work on cars, go camping, and play the drums. He was passionate, charismatic, witty, loving, protective, and creative. He was absolutely adored by his two grandkids who would run straight to his room every time they stepped foot in his home, and he loved every moment with them. Raymond was a kid at heart, and he filled in the shoes of being a dad to so many who didn’t have one of their own. He didn’t have much time with his grandkids, but he felt so much joy in receiving the news that two more were on the way. His daughters, Crystal and Kelly, plan to continue his family legacy.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife, Maria Luz (Menchaca) VerMilyea; their two children, Crystal Marie-Lynn (VerMilyea) Popa and husband, Kyle Popa, and Kelly Renee Lynette VerMilyea and partner Miguel Meraz ; 4 grandchildren, Charli Ann Popa, Miguel Angel Luz Meraz III, Baby Popa, and Baby Meraz; his parents, William VerMilyea and Sandra VerMilyea; his 5 siblings, Vickey Willard and husband, Robert Willard, Duane VerMilyea and wife, Dana VerMilyea, Christi VerMilyea and husband, Kurtis Kyle, Daniel VerMilyea, and Michael VerMilyea and wife, Aleksandra (Popovic) VerMilyea; along with his nephew and nieces that he helped raise, Ivette (Menchaca) Garza, Brandon Menchaca, and Kasandra Menchaca; and grandnieces, Isabel and Maribel Sanchez, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family members.

Raymond was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina Lynn VerMilyea, and his grandmother, Norma Hanna also known as “Too Mama”.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Beechnut. The viewing will be from 10am to 11am, with the service following afterwards until 12pm.

He will be laid to rest on March 4, 2024 at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens at 1pm in Irving, Texas near his daughter Christina. The family will be having a private service at the graveside.
 
If you’d like to send flowers, please send them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 2, 2024 between 9am to 10am at 5531 Beechnut St. Houston, TX 77096.

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18