George "Ray" Empson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of George Raymond “Ray” Empson, age 92, a proud son of Ireland. He died of natural causes on February 23, 2025, at his beloved Buckeye Lake house. Ray was born on November 13, 1932, in Portadown, Northern Ireland, to the late Alfred and Sarah Empson. He was the youngest of six children. When the bombs rained on Belfast in World War II, trucks filled with children left homeless by the attacks would appear in the less-damaged neighborhoods the next day. His childhood memories included how every family, including his own, would take in as many of the displaced children from the trucks as they could find room for until their relatives came for them. From an early age he was taught to help others. Ray arrived in the United States on February 11, 1953, at the age of 20. On the ship journey across the Atlantic Ocean, he was recruited by the US Army and served his two-year active duty enlistment at Schofield Barracks Army Base on Oahu, Hawaii. He became a proud US citizen on January 19, 1956, and never lost his delightful Irish sense of humor. He settled in Columbus, Ohio, driven by the desire to be near his eldest sister Maureen and her family. He developed a full-service gasoline station business and was a leading force in establishing a local trade association. The values that fueled his success were deeply rooted in his upbringing - “never dodging an immediate challenge by thinking you can't do it rather than it just has to be done” – were established in Northern Ireland and perfected in Ohio. Ray spent more than 60 years mentoring many young people who became his ‘kids’ and ‘grandkids’. Love and devotion were mutual and bountiful. He was a big supporter of youth services and activities. Over the years he volunteered with Junior Achievement and provided leadership for at-risk youth and potential high school dropouts. He was also a reading program tutor and a volunteer with Camp Echoing Hills, a camp for individuals with special needs. Ray joined the Columbus Northeast Lions Club in 1970 and served in various positions, including two terms as President. His 55-year tenure generated thousands of dollars for local and state organizations. Most notable were Special Olympics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Memorial Golf Tournament, Honor Flight and Pilot Dogs. True to his humble persona, he did not seek the spotlight but was absolutely the backbone behind many events. He also served as a District Governor and the State Executive Administrator for Ohio Lions. His crowning recognition for a celebrated life of service was a nomination for the WBNS Jefferson Award, which recognizes individuals who make a remarkable impact through their extraordinary actions in their communities without expecting a reward. Ray was a finalist in 2012. Ray is survived by his sister Margaret McClements of Winter Park, Florida; as well as 15 nieces and nephews, and their families, living in the United States and Australia. He also leaves behind a host of friends who became family. A Celebration of Life Gathering (Visitation) will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 pm, followed by a Lions Club Service at 3:00 pm, at Rutherford Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085. Inurnment with full military honors will be conducted at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, any donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 3662 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43224-2852 or go to https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-ohio/.

George "Ray" Empson

November 13, 1932 - February 23, 2025