Cover photo for Ray Eugene Nagle II's Obituary
1946 Ray 2020

Ray Eugene Nagle II

August 8, 1946 — October 11, 2020

Ray E. Nagle II, age 74, our beloved father, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, October 11, 2020. Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lillian; and is survived by his son, Andrew, of Albuquerque; and daughter and son-in-law, Felicia and Rich Collins, of Austin, TX.

Ray was born in York, PA on August 8, 1946, the second of four children born to Ray and Sadie Nagle. Ray spent the first twenty years of his life in York Haven. His wonderful childhood memories included summers spent swimming, fishing, camping, playing little league, treats such as his father’s homemade root beer and his mother’s homemade iced tea, and annual events like the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Sunday School picnic at Willow Mill Amusement Park near Mechanicsburg, PA.

Ray graduated from Northeastern High School in 1964, and enrolled in the Electrical and Electronic Technology (EET) program at Penn State. Ray joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966, finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering at New Mexico State University in 1970, and later earned a Master’s in Industrial Management from Central Michigan University.

Ray and Lillian married in June 1970, and his career as an Air Force officer took them many places across the country. Ray spent four years as a C-141 navigator, and then worked in scientific and technical intelligence, and later did underground nuclear weapons testing. After retiring from the Air Force, Ray enjoyed a second full career as a principal analyst for Ball Corporation, where he put his analytical, technical, and leadership skills to good use on various government contracts. During his tenure, he was honored with the Engineering Excellence Award and recognized as a premiere subject matter expert in technology assessment within the Department of Defense.

Ray had a love for music. He taught himself to play the guitar and formed a rock and roll band called “The Ravens” shortly after high school. He took up singing in the 1980s, joining the “New Mexichords” barbershop chorus and singing in several quartets through the 1990s. Most recently, the highlight of his week was singing and playing guitar during Mass at his Catholic parish, Prince of Peace.

Ray enjoyed a number of hobbies throughout his adulthood. He began genealogy research long before the advent of the Internet. Ray and Andy played golf, worked on model airplanes, and rode mountain bikes together. Ray was especially fond of his cats, spending time with them and treating them like members of the family. Ray enjoyed traveling; he and Lillian made numerous trips to Europe over the years and a special road trip across the country in 2016 to visit family and friends. Ray and Lillian visited Felicia and Rich frequently in Austin, and the four traveled together to several memorable destinations. Ray was a good friend to many; he kept in contact with family and classmates from back home and enjoyed going to lunch with friends and former colleagues.

Services will begin with a Visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2020, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at FRENCH – Wyoming. Holy Rosary will be recited on Monday, October 19, 2020, 10:00 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM. Interment will be on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 9:45 a.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Animal Humane of New Mexico, 615 Virginia St. SE Albuquerque, NM 87108, 505.255.5523.





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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, October 17, 2020

1:00am - 3:00 pm (Mountain time)

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Rosary

Monday, October 19, 2020

Starts at 10:00 am (Mountain time)

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Mass

Monday, October 19, 2020

Starts at 10:30 am (Mountain time)

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