Paul Joseph Raye Jr.

DETROIT – Paul Joseph Raye Jr, 18, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Burnham.

Born on Jan. 18, 2006, in Skowhegan, to Paul J. Raye, Sr. and Ashley Flood, PJ was a recent graduate of Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield as well as SCTC in Skowhegan, class of 2024.

Shy at first, once you knew him you were drawn to his goofy charm and his incredibly huge heart. What started as an awkward smirk was soon followed by an incredible smile. PJ’s hugs were genuine and completely enveloped you, always very much expressing his love. He was charming, mischievous, and loyal to his close friends and family. His love for his family was very strong; spending time with them around a fire, gathering in the garage, or standing around the island in the kitchen was his favorite place to be. He loved his parents and family so very much.

He was extremely close to his little brother Koben. They spent hours together down by the river fishing, or in the front yard playing basketball. His lifelong best friend was his uncle, Orrie Flood. Born a year apart, PJ and Orrie were inseparable from the very beginning. He also had a very special relationship with his ‘Hot Tub Nan,’ Lora Pressey, and went on many shopping trips with Grammy April. Most of all, PJ took great pleasure in taunting his very special little sister, Aralen, constantly.

PJ was an amazing athlete. Watching him maneuver the soccer ball on the field, or the basketball on the court, was awe inspiring. It came naturally to him. He spent a lot of time ‘ballin’ with his crew at Manson Park, in anyone’s yard, or anywhere they could find an open hoop. He loved camping with his family, hanging out down by the river behind his house in Detroit, fishing, and kayaking. When he did venture away from home, it was often a trip to McDonalds.

His greatest passion was his car that he called “The Beast.” There were many phone calls at all hours to either Grampy Wade or Bumpy Alan about parts, strange noises on the vehicle, or questions on how to repair something.

And then there were the big red pickled sausages that PJ loved; his Grampy Paul keeping him in constant supply. PJ made pickled sausage sandwiches and would leave them half-eaten in his room; a habit that disgusted his little brother Koben but will be shared now as a humorous memory.

He is survived by his parents, Paul J. Raye Sr. and Ashley Flood; his brother, Koben Raye; his sister, Aralen Raye; grandparents: Wade and Christine Flood, Lora and Alan Pressey, Paul and Virginia Raye, and April Withee; aunts Robin Raye, Holly Raye (Corey) Kelley, and Ava Patterson; uncles, Orrie Flood, Colby Patterson, Dakota Patterson, Derek Patterson, Michael (Carolyn) Raye, and David Raye; cousins, Leora, Effie, and Glenna Brochu; Elsie, Icy Jo, Croix, and Crew Kelley; and Zach and Molly Raye.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m., on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield. A celebration of life will immediately follow at his family home at 9 Main Street in Detroit.

To leave a message of kindness or to share a memory, please visit http://www.shoreynichols.com.

Care has been provided by Shorey-Nichols Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 191 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield.

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