Raymond J. Antonucci Jr., 56, died on August 28, 2017. Ray was born in Suffern, N.Y. to Raymond J. Antonucci Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Grey Antonucci. Ray received his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and was an avid Seminoles fan. Later he received his master’s for advanced practice nursing from the University of South Carolina.

He was a self-professed Italian redneck and gear-head and Ford Mustang enthusiast. He loved the outdoors, electric trains, people watching and animals. Following a distinguished career as bartender extraordinaire at 80’s hotspot, McGuffy’s, Ray pursued more compassionate endeavors as a tireless defender of the vulnerable. He also helped saved lives as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), most recently at Pardee and Spartanburg Regional. The disparate careers once precipitated a patient of Ray’s to ask if he didn’t used to be a bartender and if he should be administering anesthesia… to which Ray replied, “Don’t worry, I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night”… the laugh helped the patient relax and recover without complication.

He was known as a gentle giant who was ruggedly handsome with a brilliant smile, flawlessly coiffed hair, jovial personality, and easy going nature. He was an unabashed and fiercely loyal friend who freely offered his assistance to anyone in need. Ray could be frequently found hiking in Holmes State Forest or speeding across Lake Jocasse in his Allison speed boat that he lovingly restored. If you couldn’t find him hiking or boating, then he was probably passing you in his favorite 2009 Roush Mustang with Night Ranger blaring from his CD player.

Ray is survived by his parents Raymond J. Antonucci Sr. and Elizabeth Marie Grey Antonucci, of Mill Spring, N.C., brother, Jonathan Antonucci (and his wife Teresa) of Rock Hill, S.C., and sister, Maria Dodson (and her husband Dan) of Atlanta, Ga. He is also survived by his nieces Rebecca and Hannah Antonucci and nephews, Cooper Antonucci and Christopher Samila.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Holmes Educational State Forest at 2 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2017. Parking is limited to 40 cars, please carpool if possible.

Memorials may be made to Foothills Humane Society, PO Box 126, Tryon, NC 28782, or online at https://www.foothillshumanesociety.org/.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Tryon, N.C.