Mr. Raymond Gilbert “Ray” Seth Jr., age 82, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, formerly a longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He will be remembered as a loving father, devoted husband, and loyal friend who touched the lives of many.

Born in Kane, Pennsylvania, hospital, he was raised for a short time in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, where he made his home for many years. Throughout his life, Ray married Kay Elane Seth, with whom he shared the joy of raising their children. In the late 1980s, he met Martha Jane Abraham, who would eventually become his wife. They were married in 1990 and in 1991 moved to Fernandina Beach, where they assumed the positions as onsite caretakers of the Kraft Athletic Club at Ten Acres in Fernandina Beach, Florida. There, they made many lasting friendships and became a familiar and trusted presence to all who visited.

Ray was known for his loving heart, sense of humor, strong work ethic, patience, and perseverance, having overcome many challenges throughout his lifetime, including the loss of his father at the age of three. He served as a Signalman Petty Officer (SM3) in the U.S. Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) during its deployment in the Vietnam War, earning both the National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Ray’s other primary jobs include working for Winn-Dixie in Jacksonville, Florida, for many years and later operating his own lawn and handyman business in Fernandina Beach.  Ray was respected for his honesty, reliability, and willingness to lend a hand. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. He was a 31-year lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4351 and a 37-year member of The American Legion Post 54, both in Fernandina Beach.

Mr. Seth is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jane Seth, who passed away in 2012, and by other dear family members who went before him.  He leaves behind his former wife, Kay Elane Seth of Jacksonville, Florida; his children, Raymond Gilbert Seth III of Jacksonville, Florida, and John Thomas Seth (Michelle) of Palm Coast, Florida; his sister, Ruth Ann Arnold of Bridger, Montana; his niece Patricia “Lynn” Arnold of Holly Hill, Florida; his nephew David Seth Arnold (Melissa) of Bridger, Montana; and his grandchildren, Jason Bailey Seth, Raymond Gilbert Seth IV, Douglas John Seth, and Audrey Michelle Seth. He also leaves his stepdaughter, JoAnne Abraham Ackman (Carl) of Fleming Island, Florida; his step-grandchildren, Jennifer Lee Abraham, Charles David Latiff, Jaime Renee Greer, Megan Greer Johnston (Bryan); his step-great-grandson, Liam James Ellis; and step-great-granddaughter Madelyn Sarah Ghreir, as well as his extended Abraham and Seth families and many friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, in the chapel of Green Pine Funeral Home (96281 Green Pine Road, Yulee, FL 32097). Interment will follow at Arlington Park Cemetery (6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, 32211) at 1:00 p.m.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. for viewing until the time of the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to attend the viewing, service, and interment.