Raymond "Ray" Grant Eckert, age 80, of Pennsville, New Jersey, the youngest of Harry J. Eckert and the late Frances B. Eckert (Burgess), passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by love. After a life marked by strength, devotion, and compassion, he entered eternal rest. Ray lived a life of service to others, always prioritizing the needs of his family, friends, and community over his own.

Ray was born in Salem, raised in Penns Grove, and lived most of his life in Pennsville. Throughout his life, He was known for his compassion and selflessness, always helping those in need. His generous and caring nature touched the lives of everyone around him. He took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in being a father, husband, and friend. His guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those closest to him.

Ray worked for Alloway School District, DuPont Chambers Works, and spent 49 years at Richman's Ice Cream, forming lasting friendships with customers in the neighborhood and brightening their days with laughter and ice cream.

A man of faith and perseverance, Raymond faced life's challenges with courage and grace. In his final days, his family takes comfort in knowing he passed peacefully. His life reflected love, service, and quiet strength, leaving a legacy for future generations.

Ray was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carol A. Eckert (Hyson). For more than 55 years, he and his dear wife walked through life hand in hand, sharing love, joy, and countless treasured moments. They lived their whole married life in Pennsville, NJ.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carol, and his son, Scott and wife Karen by a loving family on his wife's side: sister-in-law (Terry Ostrander), brother-in-law (Chris Ostrander), nieces (Alexandra Ostrander and Victoria (Ostrander) Garvine), nephew-in-law (Scott Garvine), grandnephew (Ethan Garvine, Brandon Hyson, Zachary Hyson, River Goff, Deckard Goff, Lennon Goff, ), Mark Plazio), grandniece (Devon Durham, Page Chase; Givin Goff, Madison Plazio, Kylee Plazio, Aubree Plazio) sister-in-law (Tammy (Hyson) Marteski), nephews (Dominic Plazio and Nicholas Marteski), nieces-in-law (Danielle Plazio and Dawn Hyson) and niece Jennifer (Hyson) Durham), niece (Selena Jennings), brother-in-law (Donald Hyson), and nephew (Jason Hyson). On his side of the family is survived by his sister-in-law (Rowena Eckert), nephews (Herbert T. Eckert, Sr., and Harry J. Eckert), nieces (Michelle Vita and Kimberly Eckert Toms), Niece-in-law (Grace Eckert), Nephew-in-law(Mike and grandnieces and grandnephews (Jessica Eckert, Shannon Huff, and Gabriel Dell, Andrew Toms, William Maurer, Shaun Skipper). He was preceded in death by his father, Harry J. Eckert, Sr.; his mother, Frances; his brothers, Herbert S. Eckert and Harry J. Eckert Jr.; his nephews, Herbert "Troy" Eckert Jr, Dustin M. Deckard; and his sister-in-law, Joanne M. Hyson.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026, at Pennsville Assembly of God Church, with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. The church will open at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to your favorite charity and asks that loved ones honor his memory through acts of kindness and compassion.

Though deeply missed, Ray will forever remain in our hearts. We rejoice in knowing that he is now at peace and reunited with loved ones, resting in God's eternal care.

Ray lived a life of service, never hesitating to lend a hand wherever help was needed.