APRIL 14, 1928 – APRIL 27, 2024
DUNAWAY, Louis Raymond (“Ray”), age 96, formerly of Greenville, OH passed away on April 27, 2024. He was born April 14, 1928, and was a graduate of Wilbur Wright High School, Dayton OH in 1946.
Ray was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and wife of 66 years, Millie Kiger Dunaway in 2015, and his parents Jesse Dunaway in 1992, and Helen Kozlowski in 2004. He is survived by his children, daughter Claudia Dunaway – husband Hudson Freeze, daughter Connie Zapf – husband David Zapf, daughter Cheryl Krueger – husband Manny Krueger, and son David Dunaway – wife Theresa, also by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Ray’s professional career started in 1947 as an apprentice machinist at Delco Products until 1951. From 1951 until 1965, he worked as a tool and die designer in 29 different tool shops during the Cold War manufacturing boom years in Dayton, often working 2 jobs. He built his talent and resume and was hired as a Chief Engineer at Tait Manufacturing in Dayton in 1965.
Tait owned a small submersible pump motor company, Century Electric Motors in Gettysburg, OH, and in 1967 they sent him to run it. He became President of Century and led the growth to over 200 employees and in 1979 built a new building. He remained in charge of operations after Century was acquired by TransAmerica Delaval in 1980. TransAmerica dissolved Century in 1986, and at 59 years old, Ray was out of a job.
He took the bull by the horns and started up Ramco Rotors the next day, January 1, 1987, with 10 people in the Century building in Gettysburg, Ohio. He soon moved Ramco to a new building in Greenville in 1988. Ramco Rotors later became Ramco Electric Motors, was acquired by Arnold Magnetics in 2021, and now employs more than 100 people. His professional legacy lives on.
Ray had a passion for art, loved to draw cartoons in his younger days, and started oil painting in his 80’s. He loved to listen to and watch Cincinnati Reds and Bengals ball games, play golf, fish, and most of all, he was a devoted husband and father. He instilled traditional values and hard work in his children. He will be sorely missed.
He will be laid to rest on May 6 next to Millie one day after her birthday at the Woodland Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio following a private, family graveside service. Arrangements entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio. Fond memories may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Dunaway Family.