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Grief is one thing that will never fit in an appointment calendar square.

     While intensely wrapped in our grief, we usually don't think to ask for support.  Instead we lash out at those close to us with hostility, irritability, and anger because suddenly we are forced to realize we will never share another physical interaction with Raymond again.  "Immersing ourselves in the "should haves" and "could haves" of the past will only prevent us from dealing effectively with anger in the present."

     Honorable Col. Raymond Rondo Mullaney, 59 years of age, from Star Tannery, Va., passed away suddenly on Oct. 17, 2011, at 1:15 p.m. at Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C., following
complications and a courageous battle after surgery.

     He was born on March 10, 1952, in Ellicott City, Md. Raymond is predeceased by his mother Beatrice "Betty" June SmallwoodHough and stepfather, John Lester "Zeke" Hough, of Charles Town.  He graduated from Charles Town High School in 1971, and received a degree in architectural drafting and technical engineering from James Rumsey Technical Institute in Martinsburg.
 

     Raymond was a devoted loving spouse and an exemplary father.  He is survived by Teresa M. Redmon-Mullaney, spouse, and the significant love of his life; and the loving father of Shannon D. Mullaney, his only endearing and exceptional daughter, born to him and Freda Mullaney on Nov. 11, 1984.  Raymond's commitment was first and foremost to ensure that Daddy's girl made it through hard times and dedicated special time to share the extraordinary moments.  He took his role as father very sincerely.  While this role definitely came with a significant amount of pressure there was nothing more gratifying for a father, than having his little girl look up to him and hope one day that his endearing daughter finds a man just like him and who can live up to his expectations for the daughter he loves so dearly.  Raymond loved his daughter like no other man on this earth.  He was her beacon in dark and cloudy times, and best friend at all times for "daddy's girl."  As a loving father, Raymond instilled into Shannon the greatest gift imaginable - his spirit and his compassion.  Therefore, as long as Shannon D. Mullaney, "Daddy's Girl" walks this earth, so will Raymond R. Mullaney, as their souls are identical.

     Raymond is survived by one sibling, Cindy Legg, his magnificent and kindhearted sister, from Charles Town.  Yes, for those who really knew Raymond they knew family unity was significant to him and there were many family members responsible for the man he became.  These rewarding and surviving family members are William and (aunt) Linda Catlett, of Bunker Hill; Eddie and (cousin) Georgiana Lang and (second cousin) Marissa Lang, Bunker Hill; (niece) Danielle Legg and (niece) Lauren Legg, of Charles Town; (great- nephew) Owen Utterback, of Charles Town; Uncle Garland and Carroll Smallwood, of Louisville, Ky., Uncle Rondo and Charlotte Smallwood Jr., of Charles Town, Uncle Donald "Donnie" Ray and Anne Rutherford, of Vienna, Va., (Aunt) Libby Loudenslager, of Westminster, Md., and Donna and J.P. Burns (cousin), of Charles Town.

     Predeceased family members who assisted in Raymond's upbringing also were Rondo and Ethel Smallwood Sr., (grandparents) and Aunt Mae Bell McDonald, of Charles Town.

     On Feb. 4, 2011, Steven L. Beshear, governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, commissioned Honorable Raymond R. Mullaney as "colonel" on the staff of the governor of Kentucky in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels and as an honorary aide-de-camp to the governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky for his selfless altruistic humanitarian commitments to his community and fellow men.

     Raymond's diligent dedication to his community and fellow men also encompassed the Masonic Brotherhood.  Brother Raymond Mullaney was a master mason with the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Virginia, Winchester Hiram Lodge No. 21, Winchester, Va.

     Not ending there, Raymond's self-sacrificing efforts and assurance as a humanitarian continued for over 30 years into the Fraternal Order of Moose; he admirably fulfilled countless state appointments within the
Virginia Moose Association.  Raymond served as Moose Legion ambassador for the northern and southern regions of Virginia; he enthusiastically served on assorted committees and in tenure filled all required chairs.  Brother Raymond was a member at times throughout his term with in the Fraternal Order of Moose at various lodges, i.e., Strasburg, Berryville, Front Royal, Woodstock, Leesburg and Winchester.  He
entered in the Moose Legion 1995, became a fellow in 1998, and was past governor in 2005.  "Ray" exhausted countless hours of devotion to fundraisers, benefits and especially for the children at Moose Heart, the Fraternal Order of Moose and Moose Legion.  He was a Moose Legion and Caps & Tips instructor.  He signed up 71 members in the Moose and 32 members in the Moose Legion.  Raymond was Moose Legion past president in 2002, served two years as president of the Moose Legion and became a life member in Moose Legion in April 12, 2003.

     Raymond held the position of past worthy president in the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Massanutten Eagles 4186, unselfishly ensuring a positive influence in his region, extensively in the local community,
specifically for the men and women dedicated to serving his community.

     For those of you who thought you knew Raymond Mullaney's never-ending efforts, there is more.  He was a member of the 2nd Virginia Volunteer Infantry, North-South Skirmish Association.  He enjoyed the competitive shooting of Civil War firearms and artillery and playing music and singing with fellow team members around campfires.

     Perseverance should have been Raymond's middle name as he also included in what time was available at the end of a day his enthusiasm with his photography business, illustrating his creativeness.  In the
midst of all his magnanimity, Raymond found time to enjoy and tune his natural skills as a musician.  A self-taught guitar and harmonica player, and just recently he taught himself the keyboard.

     This is a man who made an enjoyment out of living, not only for others but for life itself.  Because, along with his physical musical instrumental skills, Raymond had an amazing voice and loved to sing.  His passions to enjoy life extended into many ranges.  His skills were endless, woodworking, entertaining and adventures.

     The father in him - a devoted father.  He was kind, caring, and loving.  He was always there to help me through hard times and there to share the special times.  He loved his daughter like no other man on this
earth.  He was my guide in life, my best friend and my world.  He will be loved and missed always and forever.

     Raymond's "bucket list" held a deep desire that was finally fulfilled two years ago when he bought Teresa and himself a motorcycle.  He asked Teresa if she wanted a ring or a bike.  Well needless to say, they have his and hers motorcycles.  Teresa rides her "ring," as he says.

     Raymond labored for 36 years in materials procurement, logistics management, program administration, drafting and photography.  Since 1999, he has been employed at AECOM/SSI at the CIA in McLean, Va.
Prior, he was with LEAR Corporation from 1988 to 2002 and CAPITOL RECORDS, INC., Virginia from 1974 to 1988, and continued Mullaney's Photography, Star Tannery, Va., from 1975 to present.

     Raymond "Ray" R. Mullaney was beloved by all and respected not only for what he made of himself, but for what he made of others and all the lives touched.  He will be greatly missed by the "love of his life," his "daddy's girl," family, friends, fellows, associates and the lives he touched in his community.

     A memorial service, honoring Brother Raymond Mullaney's FraternalOrder of Moose life, will be held at the Strasburg, Va., Moose Lodge at a later date.  Family and friends are welcome.  Please check Virginia
Moose website for date and time.

Memorial donations: The family asks that a contribution to be made to Secret Passage Ranch in honor of Col. Raymond Mullaney for Victory for Veterans Wounded Warriors, 321 Spring Mountain Way, Fort Valley, VA 22652, 540-933-6564, www.secretpassageranch.com/tec.html .

Memorial fund: A fund will be established in honor of Raymond Mullaney for the children at Virginia House at Moose Heart for musical instrument (piano or photography equipment) in lieu of flowers.

     A special thank-you to Moose co-workers, associates, friends and family who support us during these difficult times.  You know who you are and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  Remember, if
someone says something like, "It's time now to get on with your life, : you have the right to say, "In my time and God's time, not in your time."

     Love - friendship - loyalty - eternally - till we meet again.

     If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, we'd walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again.

Click Here to view Biography as published by Moose International

Click Here to view and post entries to Guest Book as provided by the VMA

The Guest Book will be forwarded to the family upon completion

Click Here to view and post entries to Guest Book as provided by

Northern Virginia Daily newspaper and Legacy.com

The Funeral including Pilgrim Ceremony is scheduled for:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Marlowe Heights Baptist Church

corner of 517 Braxton Road and Manassas Ave, Front Royal, VA.

Viewing: 1:00  --  Pilgrim Ceremony: 2:45  --  Funeral Ceremony: 3:00

After the Pilgrim Ceremony for Brother Matt on Wednesday 11-16-2011 Front Royal Lodge #829

will be open for anyone wanting to come by and have something to eat.  We are expecting the

ceremony to end somewhere about 4:30-5:00pm.  The Lodge will have Chicken and Meat Platters along with some side dishes.  If you would like to bring something along with you please feel free. The Lodge will be open all day if you would like to drop it off early.
 
Ben Auterback
Administrator Lodge 829
540-636-6355

 

Obituary as posted at Northern Virginia Daily newspaper  - www.nvdaily.com

Mateer Summer ""Matt"" ""Bimbo"" Grove, Jr., 57, of Front Royal, was called to his final resting place on November 11, 2011, after many years of declining health.        A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Marlow Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim Bunce officiating.        The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the church with a Pilgrim service at 2:45 p.m.          Matt was born on March 14, 1954 in Front Royal, the only child of Nellie and Mateer S. Grove, Sr.          He married his high school sweetheart, Gwyndolyn Rae Oden on May 2, 1976. Together they brought three beautiful and loving daughters into this world.         Matt was the Virginia Regional Manager for Moose International and during this time period he made many lasting friendships that have supported him and his family through some very difficult times.          Matt loved music and playing in the band, The Royal Tones. He and his lifelong friends played music together for twenty-nine years.          His two grandsons, Trenton and Parker, were the love of his life. He loved watching their sporting events and rarely ever missed a game or practice.         Matt is survived by his mother, Nellie Grove; his wife, Gwyndolyn Rae Grove; his three daughters, Dana Rae Hammack and her husband Jason, Kari Elizabeth Grove Little, and Kara Michele Grove; his two grandsons, Trenton Michael Little and Parker Weston Hammack.           Matt was preceded in death by his father, Mateer S. Grove, Sr.           Matt will be sadly missed by not only his family, but by his many friends, colleagues, and fellow Moose members all over the state of Virginia as well as all over the country.          In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following charities, Donate Life Virginia, 9200 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 104, Richmond, VA 23236; American Heart Association , 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060; or Moose Charities, Inc. - earmarked Safe Surf, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539.           Arrangements are being handled by the Maddox Funeral Home. Sign the Guest Book at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries     Published in Northern Virginia Daily on November 14, 2011

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, Virginia