Raymond Spencer Forrest, 91, passed away on May 2, 2024.  He was a Seaford native, born to Raymond and Marie Forrest. Raymond was a lifetime member of Zion United Methodist Church.  He retired from the Ordinance Department of the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station after many years of service.

Raymond was a proud Master Mason and honored to be a member for 60 years of Yorktown Lodge No 205.

Raymond was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy I. Forrest.  Survivors include two children, Denise Forrest Weston (Ronnie), and Nathan Spencer Forrest (Debbie); four grandchildren, Chad Messick (Heather), Justin Weston (Kayla), Benjamin Asbury, and Brice Asbury (Brittany); and five great-grandsons. Raymond is also survived by two brothers, Carleton Forrest and Marshall Forrest, and two sisters, Jackie Robinson, and Mary Virginia Boyd (Dickie).

Music was a huge part of Raymond's life.  He was blessed with a wonderful baritone voice and over the years he enjoyed singing in his church choir, the Community Men's Chorus and the Seaford Seven.  Raymond, along with other chorus members traveled to numerous churches near and far to deliver their Gospel message in song.  He thoroughly enjoyed listening to Irish music, especially The Irish Tenors, gospel music by The Gaither Vocal Band, and good old country-western tunes.

Raymond had a passion for being on the water, from crabbing and clamming to saltwater fishing.  He learned in his childhood years how to make a crab pot from his maternal grandfather. This was a craft he continued until 2 years ago.  His crab pots were most sought after by customers who showed up every year to buy them.  Sometimes it would seem he couldn't make them fast enough to keep up with the demand, but by the grace of God, he always did.  After retirement, he and Nancy operated a soft crab shedding business out of the garage at Nancy's homeplace. Nothing pleased them more than setting out on their Carolina Skiff in the summer months to "fish the pots" Raymond crafted, and then process the crabs to sell to market in Maryland.

The family wishes to thank Raymond's dedicated team of Caregivers over the past years for their kindness and compassion, and most recently the visits from Darlene, Amy and Connie have been so appreciated. Special thanks are extended to Riverside Hospice Registered Nurses Dannielle and Lisa, Nursing Aide, Quisha, and Social Worker, Jenna for the joy and tender loving care they all provided to Raymond over the last year; and to Nauche, his favorite Registered Nurse at York Convalescent and Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to   The Masonic Home of VA., Outreach Program, P.O. Box 7866, Henrico,  VA   23231-0366.

A private, family graveside service with Masonic rites will be held.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.