Joseph Raymond (Ray) McLaughlin, Jr., aged 82, passed away January 14, 2023. Ray was born on December 6, 1940, to the late J.R. McLaughlin, Sr., and Margaret Lucia McLaughlin in New York City.

Ray was hired by Virginia Beach Fire Department September 1972 as part of Class #1. He retired as Master Firefighter in 1989 and continued to serve as SCBA technician until 2003.

Ray was a professional bus driver for Gallop Bus Lines and Venture Tours for over 49 years. He was a member of the Masons-Ruth Lodge #89 since 1973. He was a member of the Khedive Temple in Chesapeake, VA for over 40 years  and was Captain for the Shriner Motor Corps in 1989.

Ray and Brenda enjoyed many adventures following the Nascar racing circuit. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of almost 36 years, Brenda White McLaughlin. Other family that will greatly miss him are his children Walter Williams and Lynne Jennings (Frank) of Knotts Island; three grandchildren, Christy Duren (Joseph), David, and Sarah Jennings, sister Lowell (D.F.) Batchelor, and sisters-in-law Sharon Atherton and Jackie White.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 691 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457, by the Rev. Chuck Moseley and Pastor Frank Jennings.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be given to Oak Grove Baptist WMU-Missions or the Shriners Hospital for Children.