St. Johns Veterans Council receives County Commissioners Proclamation

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Ray Quinn, SgtMaj. U.S. Army Ret.

IN MEMORIAM

Vice Chairman, Veterans Council of St. Johns County

d. November 23, 2023

The passing of our Comrade Sgt. Major Ray Quinn It is with much sadness that I must inform our veteran community of the passing of our comrade and brother in arms, Sgt. Major Ray Quinn. Ray passed away Thurs. evening peacefully at Flagler Hospital. Ray's passing will leave a large void in our hearts as well as our veteran community. His contributions to helping not only veterans but all who were in need were immeasurable. A strong man of faith, he was a spiritual leader as well as a leader of those who walked in his path. He will be deeply missed by his comrades and a community that held him in the highest esteem. Bill Dudley Chairman Veterans Council of St. Johns County, Inc.

Sergeant Major Ray A Quinn, 77, went to be with the lord on 11/23/2023 peacefully at UF Flagler Hospital with family around him. He is survived by his wife Claudia Addrenne of 57 years, His mother Myrtle Quinn and proceeded in death by his father Vernon A Quinn and brother Stephen Quinn. Daughters Cindy Buzard (Dan), Susan Boyer (Craig), his grandchildren Brad Buzard (Taylor), Aubrey Lucas (Cameron), Quinn and Connor Crinigan, Haven and Cole Boyer. Great grandchildren Blayze and Asher Buzard, Reese Johnson, AJ and Luke Lucas. SGM Quinn began his military career by enlisting in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry, Eustis, Florida on 13 June 1965. SGM Quinn progressed through Infantry assignments and rank serving as an Automatic Rifleman, Fire Team Leader, Scout Section Sergeant, Anti- armor Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant. SGM Quinn began full-time employment with the Florida National Guard in December 1973 and began his Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) service in 1981. He served full time with the Florida Army National Guard from 1973 to 1995. He served as First Sergeant of Combat Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry from January 1977 to May 1985. In May 1985 he was transferred to Headquarters, Florida National Guard with assignment as Operations and Training Noncommissioned Officer. In July 1989 he was selected as Chief Administrative Noncommissioned Officer for the Support Personnel Office where he served until his retirement. SGM Quinn was a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. In addition to his full- time assignments, he served as an instructor at the Florida National Guard Military Academy instructing Basic, Advance, Senior and First Sergeant courses. After his retirement from the Florida National Guard on 30 November 1995 he began employment with the Florida Department of Military Affairs. He served the department until his retirement on 29 February 2008 retiring as the Director of Executive Services. In that capacity he was Chief of Protocol for both the Department and the Florida National Guard. In 1999 SGM Quinn was selected to serve on the Ft. Stewart Retiree Council and served as the Chairperson of the Enlisted Council until 2008. In February of 2002 he was selected by the Chief of Staff, U. S. Army to serve a four-year term on the CSA Retiree Council and was asked to remain a fifth year. He served as the Chairman and Vice Chair of the St. Johns County Veterans Council. SGM Quinn was President and former board member of the Kiwanis Club of Historic St. Augustine. He was a charter member of the First Militia Chapter Association of the United States Army and serves as the Vice President for Veterans and Retiree Affairs. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Jacksonville National Cemetery Support Committee. He enjoyed membership in the National Infantry Association and holds an honorary membership in the Officers' Club of St. Augustine as well as the Ancient City Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. He remains a life member of the Enlisted National Guard Association of the United States and the Enlisted National Guard Association of Florida. He was a member of American Legion Post 37 of St. Augustine serving as the Post Chaplain. He served as Chairman of the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Council for four years. In January of 2010 he was appointed interim county commissioner for District 3 St. Johns County Florida. In 2011 he was appointed to the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency. In 2021 he was inducted into the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame. Among his awards and decorations are the, Legion of Merit, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Florida Cross, Florida Distinguished Service Medal, and the Florida Commendation Medal. The family request in place of flowers that contributions be made to charities that he was passionate about in his honor: National Army Museum 1775 Liberty Dr Belborn, VA 22060 and American Bible Society 101 North Independence Mall East FL 8 Philadelphia, PA 19106. A memorial service will be held 6PM Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Craig Funeral Home. A gathering will be held the same day from 5PM - 8PM. A graveside service with military honors will be held 1:30PM Friday, December 15, 2023 at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 S.W. 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.