Raymond "Ray" Winfield Estey, 62, of Boyd, Texas, formally of Triangle and Spencer, New York and Biddeford, Maine passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 following a long courageous battle with cancer. Ray was born on November 24, 1954 in Manchester, CT a son of the late Hadley and Evelyn (Varney) Estey. Ray graduated from Windsor Locks High School and immediately joined the Navy. He served four years from 1974-1977 working as a machinist. Following an honorable discharge he moved to Maine and in 1980 met the love of his life Debora "Debbie" whom he later would marry and spend 36 years together. Their marriage would take them to many places ~ from living in a train caboose in Kennebunk, Maine to a few different locations in upstate New York to the "Big E Ranch" in Boyd, Texas. On The Ranch together they had many four legged children including horses, long horn cattle, dogs and cats. Many two legged feathered children also came to live on the ranch to include, peacocks, geese, and chickens. A lover of animals Ray would often find them and bring them home, or hear of animals needing a home and following his big heart would call them his own. For nearly, forty years, Ray worked as a machinist at various companies in New York and in Texas. Ray was a loving, kind soul, he was always willing to lend a helping hand and generous with his time to anyone who may need it. Ray's favorite greeting was "Hey, how the Hell are you?" Whether it was on the phone or a face to face meeting. One of his favorite pass times was riding his Harley and living in Texas he had lots of chances to do so. Ray could be seen on any given day in his favorite tie die t-shirts or one of his many Harley Davidson's t-shirts and his blue jeans. Ray was a long time New England Patriots fan, loved to eat spicy foods often stating the hotter the better! Ray enjoyed his visits home to Maine with family and was always was eager to return sooner rather than later. Ray loved to spend time near the water, whether it was fresh or salt it did not matter. Ray is survived by his wife Debora (Smith) Estey, his brother and sister-in-law: George and Freda Estey of Limerick, ME, three sisters, Pamela Slayton of Graniteville VT, Nancy Palmieri of Biddeford, ME; and Sheri Bell and her husband Jamie Bell of Scarborough ME. His mother-in-law: Ethel Smith of Waverly, NY; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Charles P. and Marlynda Smith of Van Etten, NY; Philip and Michele Smith of Binghamton, NY; His nieces and nephews: Corey Banks, and Lanny Slayton both of VT; Tony Palmieri of Enfield, CT, Casey Bell and Jesse Bell both of Scarborough, ME; Lauren Smith of Waverly, NY; Sara (Matt) Smith of Binghamton, NY; Zachery Smith of Spencer, NY; Rebecca "Becka" Smith of Van Etten, NY; Kamron Smith of Van Etten, NY and their families also survive. Ray was predeceased by his parents; his father-in-law Charles R. Smith and a nephew Erik Banks.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Saturday, April 1st from 10 to 12 pm at the Sayre Christian Church. A funeral service and celebration of his life will follow at 12 pm. Military honors will be accorded following the funeral service. Spring interment will be in the Glenwood Cemetery, Waverly. Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to Stray Haven, 194 Shepard Road, Waverly, NY 14892 in loving memory of Raymond "Ray" Winfield Estey. Caring assistance is being provided by the Cooley-Tioga Point Cremation & Burial Options, 802 N. Main St., Athens, PA 18810