Raymond Harold Swartz Jr, 75, died peacefully at home with his wife by his side on January 7, 2026, in Windsor, VA. He was from Tilghman Island, Maryland, graduated from St Michael's High School in 1968. He entered the US Army the Monday after graduation. He served in Mannheim, Germany until he deployed to Vietnam 1970–71. He served as Sergeant of the King Kong gun truck around Quang Tri. After his return, he went into the Marine field (boats) as an NCO and went to Warrant Officer School at Ft. Rucker, GA. The highlight of his career was being Skipper of USAV LSV-1. Ray retired in 1994 as a highly decorated Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). After retirement he finished his BA in Psychology, Cum Laude, in 1996. He later served 10 years as the Chief Magistrate of the 5th Judicial District.

Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was dedicated to his family, friends, and any project he started. He loved the NY Yankees and NASCAR.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kim Swartz; his mother in law, Phyllis Gutmann; brothers, Mark (Wanda) Swartz, Chet (Amy) Swartz, Ronnie Swartz, Todd (Charlie) Swartz; sons, Joel (Missy) Swartz, and Clay (Nikki) Swartz; daughters, Allison Swartz (Shawn) Ross, and Amanda White (Dwayne Loos); grandsons, Danny Ray, Carter, Junior, Raymond, and Orion; granddaughters, Brandy, Haley, Evie, and Alyssa; a brand new great granddaughter, Harper Ray; numerous nieces and nephews; and beloved family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Kitty Swartz; father in law, Don Gutmann; and son, Jeremiah "Bubba" Swartz.

Ray's funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now .