Raymond H. Benedix, 90, a longtime resident of Lawrence, MA passed away on Friday, June 17 ^th at Cedar View Rehab and Healthcare Center in Methuen, MA.

Ray was born in Manchester, NH on April 24, 1932, the son of the late Ethel (Davis) and Henry Benedix.  He grew up in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School, Class of 1950.  He served in the US Army during the Korean War.   Ray worked as a draftsman for Lawrence Pumps, Inc. for 45 years.  He lived in the same home for 67 years.  He enjoyed cooking, gardening, bird watching, camping, traveling, wood carving, biking, and cross country skiing.  Ray was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.  He lived by his favorite quote, "No joy can equal the joy of serving others."  Ray was an active member of The United Presbyterian Church where he served as an ordained Elder, Trustee and Mission Treasurer.  When that church closed, he became an active member of First Church, Congregational in Methuen where he served on the Outreach and Historical Committees and played in the Hand Bell Choir.  He instituted the "Souper  Bowl of Caring" in 2008 which collected thousands of cans of soup for Neighbors-In-Need.  He also cooked for Bread and Roses and was a weekly volunteer for the church's Tuesday Night Food Pantry until the pandemic.  He was a 30-year volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, a member of the Board of Directors for the Friends of Lawrence Heritage State Park and The German Home of Lawrence, a member of the Rolling Wheels Campers and the Prospect Hill Back Bay Neighborhood Association.  He was an 11-year volunteer for the equine therapy program at Ironstone Farm.  He participated in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger in Boston for 19 years and then continued as a volunteer.

Ray will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 67 years, Anne (Rossbach) Benedix of Lawrence, MA and his daughter, Cynthia McDonnell and her husband Paul of Jaffrey, NH; several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, great grand nieces and nephews, several step grandchildren and great grandchildren and a multitude of friends.

Calling hours will be on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 10:30am to 12:00pm at First Church, Congregational, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA.  A Celebration of Life will follow Saturday at 12:00pm in the church. The service will be live-streamed at www. facebook.com/firstchurchmethuen/

Please wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's name may be sent to First Church, Congregational, 26 Pleasant Street, Methuen, MA 01844, c/o Capital Funds Campaign.