Raymond Feldman
Raymond Feldman passed away at the age of 81 on October 7, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born September 12, 1934 in St. Louis to the late Sol and Jean Feldman. Ray had one brother, the late Jerry Feldman. He is survived by two sons, Rick Feldman of Ballwin and Ron Feldman of St. Peters; two granddaughters, Elena and Taylor; and longtime devoted friend, Leroy “Man” Davis. Also survived by first wife and mother of his sons, Anita M. Feldman of University City; and second wife Pamela of Wildwood.
Ray graduated from University City High School in 1953 then opened Custom Automotive on March 1, 1954 which became Ray’s Automotive in 1973. Ray was a fixture on Easton Avenue, (Dr. ML King Drive) until he retired in 2009. He served in the National Guard for 10 years.
To all who knew Raymond he will be remembered for his love of helping others, as a hero to many and for his many contributions to the Hot Rod Association. He was a kind and caring man who would do anything for anybody.
Per his wishes, a simple celebration of his life is being planned for a later date.
Please share your condolences and your memories of Ray Feldman below.
It’s never easy to say goodbye, but we knew that Ray was ready for the next place. What a blessing that he didn’t have to die alone.
Deepest love to Ron, Rick, Man and all the family. May you be comforted by a lifetime of memories and the knowledge that he lived his life “his way.”
…and Ray, I will never forget your last words to me a few weeks ago…our little secret!
Love,
Mary
You are all my family. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and I grieve with you. Whatever you need I am here for you always.
Rick & family
We are so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
Lol Glen & Debbie
Please inform me of any celebrations of Ray’s life coming up. Ray, along with Ray Lieber, Jimmy Salsman and me were the known as the four horseman. We were inseparable during our high school years and a few years after that. I am truly saddened by his passing.
Howard
I spent a summer as a 15 year old at Ray’s Auto mixing paint. Ray had such a wonderful sense of humor and smile on his face everyday.
We played backgammon and had lunch with his father everyday.
Thanks Ray for a great summer.
I’ll never forget you.
Love and Respect.
Steven
This comment comes years too late for a variety of reasons and the fact that I did not hear of his passing, but this strong and true memory reflects exactly the kind of sharing person Ray was when we close friends and Hot Rodder’s. If it brings a knowing smile at this late date, life is good again for a few moments: My fondest memory was a night of fun and outrageous behavior at Chuck A Burger in St. John, MO. circa 1962 Started out at the shop on Easton while picking up some American Mag Wheels (real Magnesium in those days) for my 35 Ford Pick up/Street/Show Rod. Ray begins boasting to 5 to 6 of us guys there of his newest Toy, a 1924 Studebaker Fire Truck (Pumper). Out in the back we go to see, climb on, and play with this gigantic Toy. Its near closing time and Ray yells out “who wants to cruise Chuck A Burger??” Everyone there yells out “YES” with a raised fist in the air. And that’s exactly what we did after a great deal of tweaking to get it started, smoking exhaust and fluids leaking everywhere, Ray laughing to tears as we head West on Easton, slowing to cruise the Wellston shopping area, the loop, even over the over the Streetcar Tracks in the Round About next to Katz Drug Store. All the People in the Wellston area appeared to be in total awe of this unusual and noisy sight or consumed by laughter as was Ray and his Motly Crew. Then it was on to Chuck A Burger. Ray pulls into the parking area adjacent to the Rock Road with Engine now overheating, steam and smoke everywhere as we cruise around the building at least twice with all us hanging off the Fire Truck screaming and laughing to the total joy of a full parking lot, now totally overflowing with people outside of their cars and Rods Ray was the master of ceremonies and the star of the show. St John cops showed up but just to smile and enjoy the show. Ray knew everybody and knew no strangers. It you were around Ray for any reason, Life was very good. At one point, Ray was standing on the highest point of the open cab eating a BBQ something or other and pointing a finger at his crew saying “Don’t anybody tell Solly”. A true story of American Graffiti at is best, as was the very good, this very funny man who left a lifetime of good memories for all that new and loved him as he was in Street Rod days. Gone but never forgotten.