Raye C. Aaron

The German painter Martin Kippenberger once said, “A good artist has less time than ideas.” On September 10th, Raye Cox Aaron simply ran out of time. After a courageous battle with cancer, Raye passed away peacefully at home, wrapped in the love of her family and surrounded by the beautiful, creative sanctuary she built.

Born Raye Vernell Cox on August 29, 1944, in Lakeland, Florida, she was the oldest of three daughters born to Tommie and Raymond Cox. Growing up in the small, post-war town of Clewiston, Raye’s artistic spark was evident early on, sparking a lifelong dream of attending art school.

However, life and love had an even grander canvas in mind. Raye and Larry Aaron began dating in high school, having known each other since the third grade. They married at age 19 while Larry was a student at Florida State University, where they welcomed their son, Michael Craig. When Larry was called to serve in Vietnam, Raye gracefully stepped into the role of an Army officer’s wife. Their daughter, Kelly Elizabeth, later joined the family while they were stationed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

As military life took them across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, Raye transformed every new house into a work of art. She never stopped learning or creating. Her artistic journey evolved from sewing and embroidery to macramé, leatherwork, stained glass, weaving, cross-stitch, sculpting, painting, and quilting. She owned several businesses, sold her art across many states, and found deep joy in teaching others her crafts.

Creating was Raye’s true calling. She didn’t just make art—she created a beautiful family, a welcoming home, lasting friendships, and a meaningful life. While she will be profoundly missed, she leaves behind a tangible, vibrant legacy of the world she envisioned.

Raye is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her son, Craig (Elizabeth) Aaron; her daughter, Kelly (Jonathan) Withington; her cherished grandchildren, Megan and Scott Aaron, and Marshall (Sophia), Adam, and Samuel Withington; and her sisters, Patricia Grimes and Carolyn Miller.

A memorial service for Raye will be held at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL, on Saturday, September 19th, at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Raye's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate.

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