George Raymond "Ray" Stepp

       Ray was born February 23, 1921 in Hendersonville, North Carolina to George and Jewell Stepp. 

   He was preceded in death by his son Garry Richard Stepp.

    Ray is survived by his sister Velma Beddingfield and wife Margaret "Peggy" Lucille Werner.

    He and Peggy are the parents of two sons Larry (Paula) and Garry (deceased). They have  11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

      Ray served in the US Navy during WWII in the South Pacific where he received his training as an electrician.

   While stationed in Alameda, he met his sweetheart Peggy, fell in love and married.  They just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary on April 1, 2013.

   Together they raised their sons in the San Francisco Bay area before retiring to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains that reminded him of his home in North Carolina.

   His electrician career spanned throughout his lifetime.  After retiring he continued serving in the Mountain Ranch community for several years.

   He was awarded Calaveras County Senior of the Year by the State of California.

   Ray also loved serving as a Mason.  Initiated in San Andreas at Calaveras Masonic Lodge in 1988, he was a 25 year member.

   George served as an officer for six years and was very active on the Calaveras Masonic Hall association for many years.

   He was presented with the Hiram Award in 1995 for his dedication to Masonry and Calaveras Lodge.

    All of his life, Ray was known for his incredible work ethic and service to others.  His children were the recipients of this ethic also.

    Ray built the picnic tables for Mountain Ranch Community Park and Turner Park in San Andreas.

   Everyone who knows Ray, knows he loves to laugh and has an incredible sense of humor.  His children and grandchildren are grateful to him and the wonderful man he is. 

   A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 29, 2013 at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church in Valley Springs.