Raymond Lee Garland

Raymond Lee Garland, age 90, a cherished member of the Paducah community, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at Baptist Health Paducah, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on April 8, 1934, in Paducah, Kentucky, Ray lived a life full of love, service, and devotion to his faith.

Ray began his career at a young age when, as an 18-year-old, he worked at Kirchoff's, where he honed his skills as a wedding cake decorator. His zest for life and dedication to his work led him to various roles; he delivered for Bunny Bread, sold life insurance in his spare time, and ultimately retired as an electrician from Allied Chemical. His craftsmanship was not only evident in his professional pursuits but also in the countless hours he dedicated to building the Activities Building at Southland Baptist Temple, where he left a lasting thumbprint all over the campus.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Ray's heart was open and giving, reflecting his deep love for missionaries and his unwavering faith. He was an active member of Southland Baptist Temple; he also attended Twelve Oaks Baptist Church, where his grandson Boogie Butler serves as Pastor. He was a man of many interests, enjoying professional bowling, golfing, and spending precious time coaching his daughter's softball team. He found joy in Friday night game nights filled with laughter over Pegs & Jokers and cherished moments spent completing puzzles, which he proudly displays throughout his home.

Ray had a profound impact on those around him, and through his work with the BMDI Mission Board, he embarked on over 20 mission trips to Honduras, Nicaragua, Romania, and Mexico. These adventures were not just trips but journeys filled with camaraderie and cherished memories made with friends that he carried with him throughout his life.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Sandy Garland, with whom he shared over 20 years. His legacy continues through his daughters, Mona Van Hooser (Mark) of Princeton and Kathy Butler (Brian) of Paducah, as well as his stepsons, Matthew Hultman of Lexington and Mitchell Hultman (Sarah) of Murray. He will forever be remembered by his sister, Opal Keeling of Paducah, his grandchildren Boogie Butler (Laura) of Paducah, Abby Hodge (Rob) of Versailles, Lauren Russell of Princeton, Landon Butler (Courtney) of Paducah and Katelyn Woodworth (Tyler) of Princeton and great-grandchildren Graham, Greyson, and Hunter Hodge, Sterling Broome, Macy, Jude, Ollie, Lincoln, and Gracie Butler.  His family also includes step-grandchildren Thea Hultman and Nora Hultman. 

Though he is no longer with us, Ray's spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents Dorsey & Cordie Garland, his son, Gary Ray Garland, his brother Clifton Garland, and his sisters Estelle Duckett, Rose Poe, Velva Hopkins, and Pearl Garland, along with his first wife of 45 years, Martha Futrell Garland.

Ray's funeral services will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home, located at 2410 Jackson Street, Paducah, Kentucky with Pastor Boogie Butler and Jonathan Goodman officiating.  Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery in Paducah. 

As we remember Ray Lee Garland, we celebrate a life fully lived—a smart, skilled man with a heart of gold, whose love for family and community will forever resonate in the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Christmas Child | Shoebox Outreach of Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/ or may be mailed to Operation Christmas Child c/o Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Keeling & Goodman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Garland family.