Obituary

Raymond M. Felix, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2014, at his home is Laguna Woods, California. Ray was born on June 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. Ray grew up in La Habra, California and graduated from La Habra High School in 1961, where he excelled in his favorite sport of football. Ray attended the University of Southern California and served our country as a member of the National Guard.

Ray had a distinguished career in sales, sales management, and consulting – beginning with his promotion from plant supervisor to salesperson at his family-owned metal fabrication company in the mid-1960’s and his eventual rise to Vice President of Sales. Ray then decided to move into the forest products industry where his successful sales method and strong people skills forged a path into Sales Management and eventually General Manager of a leading corrugate container company. Ray began his first sales management position with a team of 10 employees and ended his last corporate assignment being responsible for a team of 1,800 employees, 15 manufacturing facilities and over $200 million in annual sales.

Ray then started his own packaging distribution company and consulting business in Southern California serving customers nationwide. Ray had a strong commitment to customer service and believed that the key to building a successful sales organization is to have a selling process that can be easily learned and transferable to the next generation of sales professionals. His management, leadership, and people skills have motivated hundreds of professionals to reach their goals.

Once Ray retired, he enjoyed spending his days behind the bar of the Red Fox Lounge in San Clemente serving his most beloved customers, listening to their concerns and offering advice when asked. He took great pleasure in a fine glass of wine and a classic cigar. He loved dancing and traveling with his partner Joan, spending time with family and friends, and took great pride in his grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his partner Joan Marie Kerr, daughters Cherrae Lind and Erin Felix, son-in-law Kurt Lind, grandson Erik Lind, granddaughter Katelyn Lind, step-daughter Jackie McElroy, step-son-in-law Ed McElroy, step-grandchildren Eddie McElroy, Trevor Hendershott and Michael J. Taub, his siblings and many other friends and family. Ray built his life around his family and friends and his deep love, strength and integrity will be greatly missed.

A Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 105 N. La Esperanza, San Clemente, on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11:00 am. A “Celebration of Life” and reception will immediately follow at the Ole Hanson Beach Club, 105 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.