Obituary of Raymond Aristides DeLuna

Mr. Raymond Aristides DeLuna, 89, of Dothan, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Southeast Alabama Medical Center. A private family memorial service was held graveside 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 18, 2017, at Sunset Memorial Park with Reverend Tommy White officiating. Interment followed with Full Military Honors, Holman Funeral Home and Cremations of Ozark directing. Mr. DeLuna was born August 31, 1928 in Havana, Cuba to the late Joseph Louis DeLuna and Carmen Carmes DeLuna. He was so very proud of his Spanish lineage. His family inherited a castle in Spain from their ancestors. He spoke five languages fluently. With his beautiful tenor voice, he sang with the opera in Germany. He sang the tenor solos in “The Messiah” at Baptist Bible Institute from which he graduated with honors. He is a graduate of Tennessee Technical College in chemical engineering. He continued his education during his military tours. He served as a translator during World War II. He enlisted in the United States Army and served for twenty-two years beginning at the end of World War II. He served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He was awarded The Bronze Star Medal by the President of the United States for meritorious achievement against hostile forces in Vietnam. He was also awarded The Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendent for meritorious service by Commanding General of The Army and Secretary of The Army. An album is filled with commendations from Generals of the Army and other military leaders. Following his military retirement, he worked as consultant to many oil industries in the United States, Canada, Venezuela S.A., Columbia, S. A. Republic of Panama, Mexico, and Honduras. He was a member of Pathway Baptist Church in Dothan. He served as missionary Chaplain to a Hispanic Church in Clayton, Alabama, volunteered as Chaplain at the Correctional Prison in Graceville, Florida, and taught Spanish at Dixie Academy in Louisville, Alabama. He loved life, always singing and encouraging others. Apart from his love for God, family and all persons – he loved being a soldier and serving his country in many hostile battles. He is a true hero. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his precious twin grandsons, Jason and Rickey Grubbs; two sisters; and five brothers. Survivors include his devoted and beloved wife of 45 years, Amelia Hutto DeLuna of Dothan; one daughter, Brenda (Patrick) Durall of California; two sons, Alan (Vicky) DeLuna of Melbourne, Florida, Tommy Raymond (Robin) DeLuna of Hobe Sound, Florida; one step daughter, Dana (David) Fain of Houston, Texas; two step-sons, Daniel DePina of Buford, Georgia and D. Anthony (Karen) DePina of Kingwood, Texas; seven grandchildren, Leslie VanWyk, David DeLuna, Caleb DePina, Daniel Joseph DePina, Hannah Rachael DePina, Samuel DePina, and Kayla DePina; three great grandchildren, Kasen David DeLuna, Serinity Victoria VanWyk, and Jeremiah Darrel VanWyk. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons (Bibles) International, P. O. Box 291, Ozark, Alabama 36361. Service Information