Byford Ray Durbin

Byford “Ray” Durbin

July 17, 1939 - October 3, 2026

Byford Ray Durbin, 87, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully at home on October 3, 2026. Born in Canalou, MO, to a Missouri sharecropper, Ray entered the service at age 17 and attended eight colleges, determined to earn his business degree - which he proudly accomplished from the University of North Florida. A decorated, retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Corpsman, he served on independent duty and as a medic with the Marines during the Vietnam War.

In addition to his naval service, Ray served as President of Navy Federal Credit Union in Jacksonville, Florida; President, manufacturer, and distributor of Todo Food Corp.; and President of First Pass Nuclear Mobile. His hobbies and interests included gardening (as a UF Master Gardener), and he was an active leader in the Elks Lodge (DDGER) and the American Legion. A devoted FSU fan, amateur race pit crew member and statistician, golfer, and bass fisherman, Ray was also a walk-on for the St. Louis Cardinals and a respected softball pitcher who played for the traveling U.S. Navy team. Above all, he loved coaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in softball.

Ray was predeceased by six siblings, having been the second of fourteen children. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lisa Trapnell Durbin; children Timothy (Zee) Durbin and Denise (Jay) Nevin; grandchildren Jeremy (Lyndsey) Nevin and Mykah Nevin; great-grandchildren Hunter, Alyssa, and Kali; great-nephews Daniel and David Freeman; and siblings Phyllis Barlett, Bob Kunkel, and Randy Kunkel.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church, 7860 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. A reception hosted by the church will follow immediately after the service.

Military honors and inurnment will take place the following day, Monday, October 26, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. (must arrive at 10:00 a.m. to follow in procession) at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32218.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church food pantry, or a charity of your choice.

Services entrusted to Moloney-Hewell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4140 University Blvd. S., Jacksonville, FL 32216. (904) 737-4855.