Raymond Marshall Ganas, 73, of Brunswick, Georgia, passed away at his home May 25, 2022, after a three week battle with aggressive cancer.  Raymond was born July 26, 1948, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to the late George Cooper Ganas and Margaret Mizell Ganas.  His paternal grandparents were the late  Benjamin Floyd Ganas, Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida, and the late Annie Mae Freeman, of Sanford, Florida, His maternal grandparents were the late Luke Marshall Mizell and the late Flossie Louise Colpitts Mizell of Live Oak, Florida.

Raymond moved to Brunswick with his family in March, 1961, and was thrilled when he realized he was within walking distance of the Brunswick Airport, then on 4 ^th Street where the stadium and College are now!  He was already fascinated with airplanes, and his learning experiences at the airport with owner George Perry and his son, Larry 'Dazy' Perry cemented Raymond's dream of a lifelong career in the aviation field.  Thanks to his early flight experiences with the Perrys, he did his solo flight for his pilot's license at 16!

Raymond joined the Army in July, 1967. on the buddy system with his best friend Kermit Honaker.  They were both sent to Vietnam.  Sadly, Kermit was killed there in August, 1968.

Raymond returned to the States, and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  There he met and married Marsha Diane Holt.  They recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.  Upon his honorable Army discharge, they moved to Brunswick and Raymond continued his military commitment by joining the National Guard with over 40 years of service.  As a civilian employee, he had worked at Kings Bay and was later transferred to the local Air National Guard Unit, a perfect fit!  He retired after a lifetime of service to his country.  He participated nationwide in many marksmanship competitions through his local guard unit and received over 30 medals for his precise shots.

Raymond was always a surfer, and as an adult he enjoyed scuba diving.  His love of the water was right there with his love of aviation!  He and Marsha enjoyed many scuba and boating trips to Key West with their many friends.  Raymond also enjoyed many years of hunting with his friends, as well as spending time on the Altamaha River.

Raymond is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marsha Holt Ganas, his daughter, Heather Ganas Evans (Dereck), grandchildren Madison Diane Evans and Gage Xavier Evans, and his great granddaughter, Timea (Mia) Champion.

Raymond is also survived by his mother, Margaret Ganas, 106; his sister, Linda Ganas, and nephews Matthew Haynie and Karl Haynie, all of Brunswick.  Sisters-in-law Rhonda Faircloth (Bill Prina) and Peggy Holt of Sanford, North Carolina.  Brothers in law Mike Holt (Ginger), Ray Holt (Janet), Barry Holt, and Dean Holt, all of Sanford, North Carolina.  Raymond is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, all of North Carolina.

Services will be held Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Chapman Funeral Chapel, 5951 Golden Isles Pkwy, Brunswick, Georgia, 31525, at 2:30 PM with the Reverend Wright Culpepper officiating.

Pallbearers will be Axel Carlson, Chuck Faulk, Derek Evans, Matthew Haynie, Karl Haynie, Gage Evans. and Tony Scoggins.  Honorary pallbearers are Larry 'Dazy' Perry, Mike McCarthy, and Vaughn Rowland.

Memorial remembrances, if desired, may be sent to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1625 Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, Georgia, 31525.  Raymond's family appreciates the excellent care he received from the Hospice staff.  Special thanks as well to Dr. Duane Moores.