Raymond Eugene Gardner Sr., 81 of Braceville passed away peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday Feb. 22, 2015 at Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren. He was born on July 12, 1933 in Mineral Ridge, OH the son of the late Fred Jay and Irene Ann (Karlen) Gardner. Ray married the love of his life, Veatrice D. Perry on June 27, 1953 and they have enjoyed the past 61 years together. After getting married, Ray was drafted into the US Army and served his country for two years from 1954-1956. Ray and Veatrice have lived in Braceville since 1965, and formerly of Newton Falls & Mineral Ridge. He started working at Denman Tire Corp. right out of high school and worked there for 40 1/2 years retiring in 1991. Ray and his wife are members of Lordstown Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Juanita Ponchak, Irene W. Hartman, 3 brothers: James, Robert, & Donald Gardner and 1 grandchild, Thomas Fiest. Ray is survived by: his wife: Veatrice D. Gardner of Braceville, 2 daughters: Carla & Charles DiBell of Cortland, OH, Laurina Ann Nobbs & Richard DiBell of Fowler, OH, 2 sons: Raymond Jr. & Susan Gardner of Southington, OH, Dennis & Pam Gardner of Nashville, OH, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Thursday Feb. 26, 2015 at 11:00am where friends may call one one prior. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Wednesday Feb. 25, 2015 from 4-7 pm. Ray will be laid to rest at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Canfield, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any donations please be made to either the Lordstown Lutheran Church 5615 Palmyra Rd. Warren, OH 44481, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Benefit Fund 1970 West Broad St. Columbus, OH 43223, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view this obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com