July 8, 2020
W. Ray Geiger
Obituary
April 8, 1939 – June 29, 2020
Ray Geiger was born on April 8, 1939 in Hilliard, Florida, and went to be with Jesus on the morning of June 29, 2020. He was the son of Clara Hodges Geiger and Frank Geiger of Hilliard and beloved brother to James (Jim) I. Geiger, Robert (Bob) R. Geiger, Cecil J. Geiger, Walter (W.B) Williams and Glenda R. Robinson. He graduated as Valedictorian of Callahan High School, where he was Captain of the basketball team, President of his class, and loved by all his teachers and classmates. He gave his life to the Lord when he was 16 years old at Live Oak Baptist Church.
He married the love of his life, Elizabeth Johnson, on July 21, 1960; they were to celebrate their 60th anniversary in just a few short weeks. During their marriage, they had five daughters: Lisa Kay Geiger, Clara Lynn Kelly (Mike Kelly), Dr. Gigi Ann Geiger (Art Bautista), Gretchen Rae Geiger Loden (Steve Loden), and Kersti G. Kelly (David Kelly).
Throughout his life, he was a man of integrity, honor, and faith, and family was everything to him. He and his family faithfully attended as members of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for many years and later, were members of FBC of Callahan and First Baptist Bolougne. He had an incredible work ethic and innate ability to lead, which he did in every one of his occupations. Soon after high school, he worked as a JSO homicide detective for 13 years (1960-1973) and then, went into the trucking industry, where he worked for 25 years. He completed many law enforcement courses at FCCJ during this time. After putting his five girls and his wife through college, he went back into police work and became a US Marshall for the federal government in Jacksonville, and then, later became Sheriff of Nassau County, where he took office December 15, 1992.
He served Nassau County as Sheriff for three terms before deciding to retire on January 3, 2005. It was such a difficult decision for him because he absolutely loved the people of Nassau County and serving them as Sheriff, and was committed to being a man who they could depend and be proud. While Sheriff, he proudly served as Treasurer on the Florida Sheriff Association and was a man of honor. Out of all of his accomplishments and honors, he was most proud of his beautiful wife and five girls, his son-in-laws and his grandchildren. He left a godly legacy for generations to come because he was a man of action, not just words.
He is survived by:
his wife, Elizabeth
Daughters and their families:
Lisa
Lindi (husband Michael Kelly, children: Michael Kelly, Forrest Kelly, Madison Kelly)
Gigi (Husband Art Bautista and their children Jaymi Whitaker (Husband Hunter and great grandson Webb), and Alexandra
Gretchen Rae (Husband Steve and children Lexa Rae Herron (Husband Tyson), Cole, Cade and Gray
Kersti (Husband David, children: Ty Kelly (wife Haley Kelly and great grandsons: Kash and Kannon), Brooklyn Brecklin (Husband Nate and great grandson Dawson)
Sister: Glenda R. Robinson
Preceded in death by his parents and brothers.
Pallbearers will be Ty Kelly, Forrest Kelly, Cole Loden, Cade Loden, Gray Loden, Tyson Herron, Nate Brecklin and Hunter Whitaker.
Viewing will be held on Sunday, July 5, from 5-8 at First Baptist Church of Fernandina. Home-going Celebration on Monday, July 6, at 11:00 at FBC of Fernandina. Procession will immediately follow to Jones Cemetery in Callahan, Florida. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.
The funeral was a real blessing. The many insights into a man known as “papa” by his grandchildren and his daughter and Sheriff Leeper. I must say that the Ray Geiger I knew would have been honored by the words of those for whom he had such love and respect. I am a better father, husband and citizen because of the influence of “Sheriff”. Blessings to his family