On Saturday, March 16, 2024, we lost our beloved brother Raymond D. Soto Jr. at the age of 77, affectionately known as "Ray" or "Raymundo" to his family and friends.

Ray was born in Lompoc, California to Roman and Maria Soto on November 7, 1946. He was a true Lompoc native thru-n-thru. He attended local public schools and graduated from Lompoc Senior High School in 1965. Ray would drive his dad's 1932 Ford Model 'A' Roadster to school in his senior year. Ray was a huge sports enthusiast. He played baseball in the mid-1950s with the Babe Ruth Chemical Kids, managed by his dad, winning back-to-back championships.  In high school, Ray was on the varsity wrestling and football teams. Upon graduation, in 1965, he pursued a career with Johns-Manville which was interrupted when he was drafted during the Vietnam War. Ray served in the United States Army as a Helicopter Crew Chief, he was honorably discharged in 1968.

Ray returned to his hometown continuing his profession as a heavy-duty mechanic with JM until his retirement. Early in life, he enjoyed woodworking. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast. This later led to his passion, a 1968 Shelby Cobra GT 350, and his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. He was an avid hunter, skilled with a bow. Most notably, he was a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate. Ray will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, wonderful human nature, and hard-working character.

Ray is survived by his two daughters, Renee (Abraham) Gonzalez and Angela (Jeremi) Smith; three grandchildren; his siblings, Esther T. Childs, Vela S. Herrera, Ruben (Rebecca) Soto, Genie, and Theresa Soto; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Maria Soto; sister Catalina (John) Skolnik; and brothers-in-law, Paul R. Childs and Frank Herrera.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Fountain Square Assisted Living Facility, Hospice Care Doctor, and nurses.

The visitation will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024, from 4-7 pm with the recitation of the holy rosary at 6 pm in the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. The mass of Christian burial will take place on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 10 am at La Purisima Catholic Church, following military internment at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. The reception will be at the Veterans Memorial Building.