Arthur Raymond Hitson, age 81, of Ocala passed away on June 11, 2023, at the E.W. and Lucille Cates House surrounded by his family. Ray was born on May 13, 1942, in Pittsburg, PA to Arthur and Aldah Hitson. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed riding his motorcycle any chance he had. He always loved talking to people and always left a lasting impression everywhere he was. Growing up he worked on his parents' dude ranch resort in the Pocono Mountains in PA. He served in the US Navy from 1961-1966. He was on the USS Joseph P Kennedy, Jr and served during the Cuba Crisis in 1963. He attended Kings College in Wilkes Barre, PA. He worked for Northeastern National Bank and was also a salesman and buyer for Lazarus department store in PA. After moving to Florida in 1974, Ray worked at Ocala Lincoln Mercury and Ocala Ford Motors. He was also a reserve Highway Patrol officer and a reserve Sheriff's officer. He belonged to the Blue Knights police officer motorcycle club for many years.

Ray is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Anne of Ocala; sons, Ray (Heather) Hitson of Ocala, Mike Hitson of Ocala; daughter, Mary (Bubba) Huffman of Ocala; grandchildren, Krista Hitson of Jacksonville, Austin Huffman of Ocala, Kailyn Huffman of Ocala; along with great grandchildren Peyton, Kylie, Mason and Riley of Jacksonville.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-2:30 on Saturday, June 24,2023 at Baldwin Brothers funeral home 954 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ste. 200,  Ocala, FL 34470. The memorial service will follow at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Marion County.

God Called You Home

God Called You Home God looked around his garden, and he found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth, and he saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain He knew you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills hard to climb, so He closed your eyelids, and whispered "Peace be thine." It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home.