Raymond Gustavson Jr, age 74, died at home in Sebastian on the morning of Saturday, February 25.

Born July 17, 1942 in Montclair, New Jersey, Ray lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for many years prior to moving to Palm Bay and then Sebastian in 2007. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the Army active duty from 1966 to 1968 with an honorable discharge. He earned his BS in Political Science from Austin Peay State University. Ray worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for 30 years, assisting veterans in obtaining benefits as a claims adjudicator, authorizer, manager and medical rating specialist until retiring in 2003. He spent his retirement years writing articles for Vietnow Magazine, The Marine Gazette, and other groups to help veterans dealing with disabilities. He was frequently on the phone or computer with veterans or family members from around the country assisting them with questions regarding VA benefits.

Ray's published novel, A Thirst For War, was a semifinalist in the 2009 William Faulkner Competition. The screenplay was a Finalist at the Florida Writers Association convention in 2012. The sequel, In the Hands of the Wolf , was a semifinalist in the 2011 William Faulkner Competition, and won Third Prize at 2012 Florida Writers Association convention. He was in the process of writing a self-help book to aid veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Horne of Sebastian, son Raymond Gustavson III (Diane) of Clearwater, Florida, daughter Margo K. Gustavson of St. Petersburg, Florida, stepson Robert Horne (Lori) of Frederick, Maryland, stepdaughter Betsy Roller (Brian) of St. Petersburg, Florida, sister Evette Dingwall of Manchester, Tennessee, and four grandchildren.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00 pm, Friday, March 24, 2017, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, St. Petersburg, FL.

Ray was passionate about supporting the needs of American veterans and shelter animals. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Paws for Veterans, Satellite Beach, FL (pawsforveterans.com) or to a charity of your choosing.