Raymond Horsley, 80, formerly of Lucasville, Ohio, and recently of Portsmouth, passed away May 27, 2026, after multiple chronic illnesses, while surrounded by his family. Born May 4, 1946, he loved making “May the fourth be with you” jokes about his birthday. He was born to the late Stanley Horsley and the late Lucille Callihan Ratliff Horsley and was the youngest of 7 children.
Ray was a storyteller, a jokester, and he always tried to get a laugh. He loved people and music – and was a self-taught harmonica player. He was fiercely patriotic and would tell people the best part of his life was his wife and sons. Ray enjoyed watching the news, watching old western movies, and never passed up the opportunity to share a cup of coffee with someone. He was a history buff and loved documentaries about historical sites and events. Ray was a member of Central Church of Christ in Portsmouth.
In Ray’s early life, he was unofficially “adopted” by the late Jerry and Dot Newkirk. They, along with their four children – Mickey, John, Sherri, and Jo – were Ray’s chosen family. Even into adulthood, as their own children came, they all remained very close, celebrating life milestones and holidays together.
After graduating from Portsmouth High in 1964, Ray worked as a draftsman. A few years later, he proudly joined the US Navy. He served as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6) from 1968 – 1974, was a skilled sonar technician, and served as Master of Arms. A Vietnam veteran, he served aboard the USS Warrington, a Gearing-class destroyer, until 1972 when it was severely damaged in the war. He was reassigned to the USS Richmond K. Turner, a Leahy-class destroyer, until 1974. His service afforded him the opportunity to travel to many places, including Hawaii, Mexico, Greece, El Salvador, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Ray married Patricia Carole O’Doherty Horsley in 1968. Ray loved learning. He attended night class while working full-time and obtained multiple associate’s degrees from Shawnee State University, all relating to his career. For the majority of his career, he worked at the A-Plant in Piketon, specializing in electronics maintenance. He retired in 2000 after over 25 years of service. In his retirement, Ray prioritized spending time with family and friends, enjoyed a slower pace of life, and taught harmonica. Ray and Pat moved to Hill View Retirement Center in 2015, where they immensely enjoyed the community.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 48 years, all of his natural siblings: Edith Ratliff Broughton, Phillip Ratliff, Miles Ratliff, Westley Ratliff, Stanley Horsley, Jr., and Imogene Horsley McNamara; members of his chosen family: second parents Jerry and Dot Newkirk, brother Mickey Newkirk, and sisters Sherri Newkirk Norris and Joette Newkirk Uhl.
Ray is survived by son Mark Horsley of Springfield, son and daughter-in-law Matt and Whitney Horsley of Portsmouth, chosen brother John (Rita) Newkirk of Rubyville, grandchildren Heidi (Jesse), Rowan, Lauren, and Marcus, four great-grandchildren, and extended family Roy (Camilla) O’Doherty, Terri Boldman, Bev Meredith, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Dennis Dawes, Minister, officiating. Interment will be in Scioto Burial Park.
The James Dickey Post #23 American Legion Honor Guard will provide Military Rites.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 to 5 P.M. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, and from 1 to 2 PM on Monday. The flag of the U.S. Army will fly at the funeral home in honor of Mr. Horsely’s service to our country.
The family extends special and heartfelt thanks to Hill View Retirement Center for their years of care for Ray and to SOMC Hospice for caring for Ray in his final season of life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you celebrate and honor Ray’s life by donating in his name to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662, or a VA facility of your choosing.
