J. Raymond Massé, 87, formerly of Lakeland, Florida, passed away in perfect peace early in the morning on July 3, 2026. He had lived in Palm City, Florida for the past seven years.

Raymond was born and raised on a dairy farm, and later a poultry farm, in rural Ontario, Canada. In the late 1960s, he was selected by Bell Telephone — after a worldwide search — to come to the United States to implement and manage a groundbreaking new digital telecommunications technology developed by Bell Laboratories, a technology still in use today. It was a remarkable achievement for a farm boy from Ontario, and one he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

Raymond was a very intelligent man, yet remained down to earth, generous, and warm to everyone he met. He had a dry sense of humor and loved to laugh. In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Lois, spent years exploring the continent together by RV, touring all of North America, including Alaska, Eastern Canada, Southwestern California, and everywhere in between. He was also deeply involved in Lake Gibson Nazarene Church in Lakeland, where his faith and community meant a great deal to him.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Lois; his daughter, Lynda, of Trenton, Ontario; and his son, Arthur, and Arthur's wife, Stephanie, of Palm City, Florida.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and friend — brilliant, humble, and generous to the end.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 10, at 10:00 AM at Forest Hills Cemetery in Palm City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply do a good deed for someone today, in memory of Ray.