The PGR has been invited by the family of Raymond "Ray/Raymundo" Soto, Jr. to Honor their Hero, and it is our privilege to do So.
Ray was born in Lompoc, California to Roman and Maria Soto on November 7, 1946. He was a true Lompoc native thru-and-thru. He attended local public schools and graduated from Lompoc Senior High School in 1965. Ray would drive his dad’s 1932 Ford Model 'A' Roadster to school in his senior year. Ray was a huge sports enthusiast. He played baseball in the mid-1950s with the Babe Ruth Chemical Kids, managed by his dad, winning back-to-back championships. In high school, Ray was on the varsity wrestling and football teams. Upon graduation, in 1965, he pursued a career with Johns-Manville which was interrupted when he was drafted during the Vietnam War. Ray served in the United States Army as a Helicopter Crew Chief, he was honorably discharged in 1968. While on Active Duty, Raymundo was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and Air Crewmember Badge.
Ray returned to his hometown continuing his profession as a heavy-duty mechanic with JM until his retirement. Early in life, he enjoyed woodworking. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast. This later led to his passion, a 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 350, and his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He was an avid hunter, skilled with a bow. Most notably, he was a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate. Ray will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, wonderful human nature, and hard-working character.
Ray is survived by his two daughters, Renee (Abraham) Gonzalez and Angela (Jeremi) Smith; three grandchildren; his siblings, Esther T. Childs, Vela S. Herrera, Ruben (Rebecca) Soto, Genie, and Theresa Soto; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Maria Soto; sister Catalina (John) Skolnik; and brothers-in-law, Paul R. Childs and Frank Herrera.
The visitation will be held on; Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4-7 pm with the recitation of the holy rosary at 6 pm in the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The mass of Christian burial will take place on 2 April.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying this hero from the mortuary to the church and then to the cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
Time Table for Tuesday, 2 April 2024:0900 - Stage at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary, 123 N A St, Lompoc, CA 93436
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuQMoK9Ae7PDE7fY90915 - Mission Briefing
0930 - Flag line for dignified transfer to the coach and KSO to the Church
0940 - Flag line for dignified transfer from the coach to La Purisima Catholic Church, 213 W. Olive Ave. Lompoc Ca 93436
https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1KVzEpTYeoRPfSH81100 - est. Flag line for dignified transfer to the coach and KSO to Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery 600 S.C. ST Lompoc Ca 93436
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MwJpA72x4RMSLhHs81130 - est. Flag line and full following military Honors.
Submitted by
PGR RC
John Archuleta805-441-8506
johnarchuleta35@gmail.com
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
