Obituaries: October 31, 2013

Enrique Medina, 16 – We lost Christian Enrique Medina at the precious age of 16 years old. He passed away tragically on October 27, 2013, but not before giving the gift of life through organ donation. Christian was a wonderful, kind, generous and loving young man who will be missed by all who knew him. Missing him most of all is his loving family, which includes his devoted parents Madeline and Henry, his sister Tricia, his niece Andrea and nephew Philip, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family members, friends, class and team mates. He is preceded in death by his brother Philip. Christian was an incredible baseball player. He played the position of catcher for many years with numerous teams. He played on his high school team as well as several traveling clubs most recently. As well as being an outstanding athlete on the baseball field he was an umpire. He was one of the youngest umpires in his little league district as well as one of the best. Christian earned the distinction of being the “Umpire of the Year” in 2009 for his Little League district at the age of 12! Christian was also an all star in the classroom. He was an honor student and his favorite subject was math. He would put his school work at the forefront of his life because of his interest in attending the University of Miami and planned to major in engineering. Christian was truly humble and kind. He touched the lives of many. His family adored him and he adored them, never taking the bonds between family for granted. Christian will truly be missed not only for the person he was but for all the potential that he offered his community and world along with his hopes and dreams. Christian will rest eternally in peace, in the arms of our Lord. And we pray he watches over us for protection. http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (10/31/13)

Mary Louise Ray, 90, of Vero Beach, Florida passed away October 27, 2013 at William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay. She was born July 4, 1923 in Alexandria, VA and had been a resident of Vero Beach since 1972. Prior to retirement in 1972, she served over 25 years as supervisor of the proof department at Burke & Herbert Bank and Trust Company in Alexandria, VA. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Alex F. Ray, and her beloved furry companion, Smokey. He will be forever missed by her daughter, Sue Ann (Bob) Fenimore; granddaughters, Suzanne (William) Martinez, Kara (Greg) Kerr; great-grandchildren, Justin Akerley, Tyler Akerley, Kaitlyn Kerr and great-great-granddaughter, Alexandria Akerley. We were blessed to have “Nannie” in our lives, and will cherish the memories of our times together.A memorial service will be held 1pm, Friday November 1, 2013 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home, Vero Beach. Inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. An online guestbook may be signed at http://www.coxgiffordseawinds.com (10/31/13)