Raymond A. Mcnutt

Raymond McNutt, 84 of Abilene, passed away at a local medical center on Thursday February 14, 2013. A service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Piersall Benton Chapel, 733 Butternut St with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. A visitation with the family will be held Sunday afternoon from 2-4pm at the funeral home.

Raymond Allan McNutt was born February 1, 1929 in Coleman, Texas to Hugh and Cynthia Gunn McNutt. He grew up in Coleman and after graduating high school moved to Abilene to attend Abilene Christian College. After a year in school, his High School sweetheart moved to Abilene to attend Draughn's Business College and shortly after that they were married. Raymond and Claudia spent 64 years together side by side in business and life.

Raymond took the passion he found at age 16 while working at a florist and turned it into a lifetime of accomplishment. Together Raymond and Claudia owned and operated several flower shops in Abilene including, most recently, High's Florist. Raymond loved his family and was actively involved in the Hamby Church of Christ.

Surviving Raymond are his wife Claudia, three sons; Gregory and wife Sharon, Guy and wife Michelle, and Gary and wife Sharon all of Dublin, a daughter, Janice Merryman and husband Tom of Baird and six grandchildren; Becky Olson and husband Alan, Jaclyn Yarborough and husband Cody, Lindy Ashlock and husband Wes, Christi Rater and husband Brian, Mica Rudd and husband Mike, and Hayli McNutt as well as 17 great-grandchildren (one on the way) and a host of extended family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.