Raymond "Buzz" G. Chamberlain

Raymond "Buzz" G. Chamberlain, age 85, of Waterville, Ohio, a dedicated and accomplished individual, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Ayden Healthcare of Waterville. Born December 6, 1937, in Swanton, Ohio to Ovid and Elizabeth Mary (Flory) Chamberlain, Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was respected for his remarkable career and his active involvement in the Whitehouse community.

Ray graduated from Swanton High School in 1955.  He served in the United States Army as a Sergeant and was awarded honorable discharge October 19, 1966.  On October 10, 1959, Ray married the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Long.  In 1967 they bought property  and built a home in Whitehouse, Ohio and lived there until 2017 before building a villa in the Waterville Browning Community.

Ray began his professional career with Bostwick-Braun Company and remained devoted to the organization for an impressive 49 years. He cared not only for the well being of the company but the customers he served as well.  During his time there, he demonstrated his exceptional ability in sales and was recognized on numerous occasions as a valued member of the Presidents Million Dollar Sales Club.

In 1970, Ray obtained his auctioneer's license and became known for his expertise in the field.  This endeavor also led to the Half Penny Antique Shop. This spawned many businesses in the downtown Whitehouse district. In 1989, when Don Scott Chevrolet had to move his dealership outside of town, Ray bought the car lot and built a stand alone General Pro Hardware store where it operates from today. Ray was particularly passionate about being the Owner and Operator of General Pro Hardware in Whitehouse, where he tirelessly served his customers with dedicated care and expertise.  In 2022 they celebrated 50 years in business. 

Ray was a charter member of the Community of Christ Lutheran Church, and contributed significantly to its growth. Ray also was a charter member of the Anthony Wayne CIC which was responsible for many economic projects in the area including the Whitehouse Can Plant and development of the Whitehouse and Waterville Industrial Park and other community developments.  Ray was a member of the Whitehouse American Legion Post #384.

Surviving Ray is his beloved wife of 64 years, Kathleen “Princess”, who stood by his side through thick and thin. He also leaves behind his children, Jeffrey L. (Rebecca) Chamberlain, Jill Kathleen (Mike) Eubank, and David G. Chamberlain (Mandi Mastin); grandchildren, Whitney (Wes) Gorham, Alisson L. Chamberlain, Joseph R. Chamberlain, Joshua Eubank, Zackary Eubank, and MacKenzie Eubank and Levi and Logan Chamberlain; his great-grandchild, Willow Gorham; brother, Lyle (Linda) Chamberlain; sister, Linda Sue (Mike) Buck; sister-in-law, Donna Long; as well as many nieces and nephews who will forever treasure his memory.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Catherine (Robert) Lemmerbrock, and brother-in-law, Robert "Peanuts" Long.

Graveside services at Swanton Cemetery will be private. A public memorial service celebrating Ray's life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to Community of Christ Lutheran Church-Building Fund or Whitehouse American Legion Post #384. The family also encourages you to plant a tree in Ray's memory.