FRUITLAND PARK, Fla. – Born June 19, 1945 in Waterville, Raymond died peacefully at his home in Fruitland Park, Fla. on March 26, 2023. The son of Raymond and Marie Paule (Bolduc) Veilleux.

As a child, he quickly developed a love for trucks and equipment from his Dad. In young adulthood, he began working as a Mack Truck salesman. A successful salesman, Ray eventually took a chance on himself and started and ran several long-haul trucking companies. His contributions to the trucking industry spanned over 50 years and millions of miles driven as he made many friends along the journey.

His “retirement” was behind the steering wheel of his fancy Peterbilt pulling his shiny trailer headed West! That was truly his happy place. He often said it was his “church” as he would talk to God and enjoy the beauty of nature along the way. He saw many sunrises and sunsets over the long hood of his Peterbilt. For Ray trucking was his passion – the freedom and the solitude of the open road combined with the sound of the diesel engine and the bark of the “jake-brake” was music to his ears and peaceful to his soul.

Ray is survived by his wife of 32 years, Kelly Veilleux. Together they logged many miles back and forth across the country, enjoying the sights along the way. She stood by him through many years of health challenges and had the privilege to be his caregiver all the way to the end of life. The final stretch was the toughest road they journeyed together.

Ray loved and was very proud of his seven children, Lynn and husband Paul Bastien of Oviedo, Fla., Kelley Souviney of Winter Springs, Fla., Julie and husband Mike Bernier of South Portland, John and wife Lisa Veilleux of Yarmouth, Tricia and husband Ryan Rawski of Winter Springs, Fla., Heather and husband Jaidy Torres of Winter Springs, Fla., and stepson, Daniel Craft of Kennesaw, Ga. Ray was blessed to have 15 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons; nieces, nephews, and many cousins whom he loved dearly.

He was predeceased by one grandson, Jordan Maroon of Winslow; also his siblings Paula Gilbert and Charles Veilleux; and his parents, all of Waterville.

Graveside memorial service will be held in Waterville on July 15, 11 a.m. at the St. Francis Cemetery. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations in Ray’s memory can be made to the Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/vascular-dementia

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