Raymond Thomas Farrell

Raymond Thomas Farrell, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
September 6, 1960 - June 6, 2023

Orlando, Florida - Raymond Thomas Farrell passed away peacefully in his home on June 6th, 2023, at the age of 62. After surviving throat cancer in 2019, Ray continually battled a multitude of medical issues that arose after the radiation treatment - limiting his ability to eat and speak. During the past 4 years, he continually proved the medical community wrong and showed his will and determination to survive. However, he lost his final fight while he was surrounded by friends and family.

Ray was born in Hialeah, Florida on September 6th, 1960, to the late Joseph Thomas and Kathleen Mary Farrell. He was the seventh child of eight in a full Irish Catholic home. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in Lake Placid, Florida in 1978 and entered the United States Air Force in February 1979. He spent just over thirty years in the service. He began his career in the Intelligence field as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist in the 6990th Electronic Security Group, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan from 1980-1985. He became a Direct Support Operator (DSO) with Detachment 3, 25th Intelligence Squadron immediately after the events of 9/11 in 2001. CMSgt Farrell's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC); Aerial Achievement Medal with 10 OLC; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; NCO Professional Military Education Ribbon with 2 OLC; Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Air Force Overseas Short Tour Ribbon; Air Force Training Ribbon; Air Force Longevity Service Award with 5 OLC; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 5 OLC and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 4 OLC. Ray "Tagalog" Farrell served a multi-faceted career as a Chinese and Tagalog linguist onboard USAF and USN aircraft, and notably as a pioneer for Direct Support Operators onboard Special Operations Command aircraft, HUMINT Interrogator/Debriefer, and Boom Operator. 

Not only did Ray model a superior enlisted career in the United States Air Force, but he was also the life of every party. With the help of his wife, Grace, they regularly hosted get togethers in their homes; always offering a warm meal, cold beer, and a couch to sleep on for all of the young Air Force enlisted and officers that were without family. They were immediately part of his family. Ray had a warm heart and was always a ray of sunshine for those who were feeling down. Always cracking jokes, correcting grammar, singing, and dancing - it was hard not to smile in his presence. Ray was also a devout Catholic - offering countless hours to support others in their faith. 

Ray was loved and admired by all and grounded by his family until his death. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Grace Farrell. And is survived by his three loving daughters - Marlena, Rayna, and Raquel; seven grandchildren - Ariana, Kailani, Mykah, Karina, Lilynne, Declan, and Banks; six siblings - Joe, Jimmy, Mike, Brian, Perry, and Diane; as well as several adoring cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held, Friday, June 16, 2023 @ 10:00 AM at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 4545 Anderson Road, Orlando, Florida 32812.  The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until the hour of service at the church.  Burial will follow at 1:30 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, Florida 32754 with full military honors.

Please consider a donation in memory of Raymond Farrell to Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides lodging to military families, while a loved one is in the hospital. The Fisher House - San Antonio Military Medical Center played a pivotal role in supporting our family during Ray's cancer treatment. Visit www.fisherhouse.org for more information.