Raymond Thompson "Ray" Birch, 82 of Mechanicsville, MD died October 23, 2013 at St. Mary's Nursing Center, Leonardtown, MD.

Ray was born on June 17, 1931 at the Susquehanna House in the town known as Pearson, MD, now known as Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He was the son of the late William Mace Birch and Ida Ruth (Abell) Birch. When the Naval Air Station opened, Ray's family moved to a farm in St. Inigoes.

Ray was a playful, loving, and caring family man. He was proud of his family and his hard work and charitable work through the Knights of Columbus. Growing up Ray enjoyed crabbing and fishing. His fondest memories of his childhood included beautiful gardens, crabs, fish, boats, trips, family, food, and fun times. He happily remembered carnivals, family reunions, county fairs, festivals, sleigh rides, parties, games and dancing.

Ray attended St. Michael's school for twelve years. As a sophomore at St. Michael's High School he met the love of his life Ada, a beautiful brown-eyed girl. They married in 1950 and had nine children. Ray served in the National Guard of Maryland.

Ray lived in St. Mary's County his entire life. When his own family was young, they lived on a small farm on Flat Iron Road in Great Mills, MD. After many of the children were grown, Ray and Ada lived in Ridge, California, Lexington Park, and most recently Mechanicsville.

Ray started working early in his life. He worked on farms working his way up from $1.00 a day. When his own family was young, Ray held three jobs. For most of his working years his full time work was at Safeway in the produce department. He retired from Safeway as Produce Manager in 1985. He was known as "Mr. Produceman". To provide for his large family, Ray also worked a small tobacco farm, raised pigs, and was a successful salesman for first Raleigh Products then Electrolux vacuum cleaners.

Ray was an active member of the Catholic Church and an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus. Ray was a fourth degree member and past Grand Knight at the Holy Face Council. Ray was recognized again and again for his many works of charity including Family of the Year for two years.

Ray is survived by his wife Ada; his children, Raymond Thompson "Tom" Birch, Jr.(Linda) of Louisville, KY, William Randall "Randy" Birch (Janice) of Champlain, VA, Gayle Dean (Jerry) of Mechanicsville, MD, Judy Free (Willie) of Clements, MD, Nettie Lou "Lou Lou" Love (Del) of Virginia Beach, VA, Cheryl Rogers (Don) of Bardstown, KY, and Janet Jenkins (Buddy) of Gates, NC; nineteen grandchildren; and twenty eight great grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Agnes Birch of Piney Point, MD and Bertie Birch of Lexington Park, MD. Ray was preceded in death by his children, Lewis Theodore "Ted" Birch and Joseph "Joe" Birch; and grandchildren, Ben and Jason.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 25, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Holy Face Catholic Church, 20476 Point Lookout Road, Great Mills, MD 20634. Prayers will be recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Joseph Calis on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Face Church. Interment will follow in Holy Face Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's County Helping Hand, Inc., 24360 Beck Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.