The youngest of 12 children, Ray Claxton was born in Noble County, Indiana, where he lived with his family on a 60-acre farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse for six years. After graduation from Churubusco High School, he began what would become his life work as an electrician. Working as an electrical apprentice, he attended trade school at night.
Employed at McKay Electric for 21 years until the company owner retired, Ray and an older brother started their own company, Claxton Electric, Inc. His brother retired in 1990, and Ray in 2004.
Ray and the former Sue Poe, married on December 9, 196l, celebrated their 54th anniversary last month. They are the parents of two children and grandparents to five. Two grandchildren have graduated from IPFW (Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne), two are at IU (Indiana University) in Bloomington, and their youngest granddaughter is a high school senior.
Shortly after retirement, Ray and Sue came to Florida for the first time, spending two months at Indian Rocks Beach, a place based on an internet search that seemed to fit their preferences and was available during January and February. It was a welcomed respite from the snow and freezing rain in the Hoosier state, and they liked the area so much that they returned the following year to the same condo. During these winter months, they often attended Unity Church of Clearwater, and when they purchased a condo at Top of the World, they became regular congregants. They had found their spiritual home, fell in love with the senior minister Leddy Hammock, their church family, the services, the music and PosiPalooza concerts, too. As a Service Saturday regular and more, Ray frequently helps out with electrical problems and projects at UCC.
As “snowbirds,” the Claxtons typically live in Florida from late October until late April. At Top of the World, Ray enjoys playing golf and walking Dezi, their rescue miniature Dachsund. He also enjoys fishing at Clearwater Beach Fishing Pier 60. Ray and Sue belong to the Hoosier Club and participate in neighborly events, including a bus trip to Biloxi and New Orleans.
The Claxtons’ return to Florida this year was later than usual, and in the short time since they’ve been back, Ray has already spent a night in the hospital. In 2012, what he thought was indigestion turned out to be CAD (coronary artery disease), and last year he underwent angioplasty followed by the insertion of a stent. In October of this year and on December 11, he was revisited by pain and discomfort, a disconcerting experience qualifying for emergency attention.
Despite a delayed return, The Claxtons may be driving north a little earlier this spring because of preparations for a grandchild’s wedding. Family is an important part of their lives, and except for Ray’s brother in Vancouver, all live in Indiana.