Ray W. Loftin

Ray Wayne Loftin

July 24, 1936 - March 21, 2022

Ray Wayne Loftin of Anaconda, Montana passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022, at the age of 85. After several months of declining health, Ray died peacefully at home with his beloved wife Ann by his side. 

Ray was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 24, 1936, to Vernard and Frances Loftin. The oldest of two children, Ray grew up in Manchester, Georgia and graduated with honors from Manchester High School class of 1954. He went on to get his undergrad degree in journalism from the University of Georgia and later his master’s in computer science from Georgia State University.

Ray served his country honorably with a brief stint in the National Guard excelling in boxing during this time. For 24 years, Ray worked for Delta Airlines in Atlanta as a senior software engineer before retiring to Anaconda in the early 90’s. There he became a ski instructor and continued this until a few years back.

For many years, Ray was a competitive long-distance runner, participating in marathons all over the world for the delta running club including completing the Boston Marathon three times. Ray was an avid skier and loved the local Discovery ski hill making many friends over the years. He also loved the outdoors hiking and exploring the Montana wilderness whenever he wasn’t skiing.

Ray is survived by his wife Ann Loftin, sister Linda Austin, children Greg Loftin, Leigh Loftin, Lisa Schmidt, Terri Davis and David Davis, grandchildren Elizabeth Loftin, Isabella Loftin, Lewis Waller, Seth Waller, Sean Waller, Alissa Wilson and Logan Benson.

People wishing to honor Ray’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations online to the American Cancer Society or locally to Pintler Hospice located at 118 East 7th Street Suite 1a, Anaconda, MT 59711.