WILMINGTON — Raymond Gilbert “Ray” Cardwell, 92, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at his home in Wilmington, NC where he had lived since his retirement.
He was born March 20th, 1933 and was the son of the late Albert and Louise Bowling Cardwell. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Larna Marie Levitt Cardwell; four brothers, Clifford, James, John Paul, and Albert; and two sisters, Margaret Bell and Ann Sanchez.
He is survived by his two sons, Randall Cardwell of Richmond, VA, and David Cardwell and wife Regina of Lindside, WV; one daughter, Venita Skidmore and husband Mark of Narrows, VA; three grandchildren, Bryan Skidmore and wife Amber (children Brooklyn, Bentley and Brielle) of Narrows VA, Wayne Wickline and wife Cassidy (children Kiera, Nathaniel, Malachi and Jedidiah) of White Sulphur Springs, WV, and Jeremy Persinger and wife Caitlin (children Ollie and Owen) of Kiser, WV; one brother, Curtis and wife Lucille, of Myrtle Beach, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many close friends and neighbors who will miss him dearly.
Ray grew up in the Bluefield, WV area before serving in the military police in the US Army during the Korean War. Following his discharge, Ray worked for the Hoechst Celanese Company at the Narrows, VA plant then at several Hoechst locations in China.
Ray was an avid fisherman and enjoyed numerous trips with his fishing buddies to lakes and rivers throughout the region.
Ray’s family would like to extend a special thank you to CenterWell and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for the exceptional care and support they provided.
Burial will be at Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, VA.
