COLUMBIA, S.C. - Raymond Pearson Neese, of Columbia, S.C., died Sunday, November 4th, 2007 at the age of 86. He was retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years of service. He spent 16 years of service at sea aboard the U.S.S. Hermitage, Fox, Cincinnati, Roberts, Bellegrove, and Vesole. He was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church. Raymond was the son of the late Edgar and Harriett Pearson Neese. He was predeceased by brothers, Joe E. and Render "Slim" Neese; a half-sister, Ela Royston; a son, Alton Raymond Neese. Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Grace Marion Neese; a daughter, Suzanne Neese Simoneau and husband David, Evans, Ga.; former daughter-in-law, Carol Neese Dubose and husband Harry, Lugoff, S.C.; one sister, Hattie Mae Varner, Laurens, S.C.; grandchildren, Daniel, Bradly, Charles, Wesley Neese, Shannon and Matthew Simoneau; great- grandchildren, Emma, Maddy, Sam Neese. Visitation will be held at Greenlawn Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 7th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 8th at Calvary Baptist Church with committal to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Greenlawn Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, S.C. 29209. www.dignitymemorial.com . (803) 776-1092. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com

The Augusta Chronicle-November 7, 2007