Raymond Hampson

Raymond K. Hampson, 87, of Islamorada, Florida went home to be with the Lord on July 28, 2017.
Ray was born in Newport, Kentucky on September 9, 1929. After attending Newport High School, he began working for the Cincinnati Railroad. During that time, he met the love of his life and wife Betty. After tiring of the Ohio winters, he heard they were hiring brakemen on the Florida East Coast Railroad in South Florida. He and Betty traveled south to Florida and he was hired immediately. Ray was very proud of his years on the railroad as well as serving in the United States Army during his entire railroad service. In 1960, he made the decision to switch careers and obtained his insurance license, He, together with Betty, opened their agency in Miami which they had for many years. In the late 1970’s Ray Hampson & Associates Insurance Agency was established in Key Largo and Big Pine Key, which he owned and operated with his son Tim until selling in 2003.
Ray was a lifelong member of the Shriners, American Legion, Elks, Moose and many other local business groups. Serving for several years as commander of the local American Legion.
He loved fishing, boating, and looking out on the water from his home in Islamorada. Ray lived his life to the fullest, embracing his favorite Frank Sinatra song, “My way”.
Ray was preceded in death by his loving and beautiful wife Betty, and his brother Richard.
Ray is survived by his two sons, Tim (Jackie) of Islamorada and David (Jo Ann) of Portsmouth, NH; grandchildren Danny, Mikey (Elaine), David (Badrunessa), Jolene (Nick), Emily and Wesley; 2 great grandchildren Samantha and David John; and his companion Lisa Klepinger.
Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery Of The Florida Keys, 31140 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made in memory of Ray to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org