Raymond Joseph Bata of New Smyrna Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023. He was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Gladys H. Bata and Joseph B. Bata, and brother Joseph William Bata.Ray was born March 20, 1940, in Sioux City, Iowa. He is survived by his widow, Avis Johnsen Bata,, and two sons, Anthony Paul Bata of Ft. Worth TX and Michael Raymond Bata of Port Orange FL.A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.Much loved by his four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, Ray led a happy, nurturing life where family came first. Ray married Avis in 1960, and they decided to leave Sioux City in 1963 for the growing town of Louisville, CO where they raised their two sons. Ray worked in Flight Operations for Western Airlines in Denver. He made a host of friends there as well as in their Louisville community. Over the years he traveled to many destinations with family and friends, and also enjoyed sports as both a spectator and participant. After Western, he and Avis purchased a liquor store in Louisville, and eventually purchased a second store. They moved to Dallas with Avis' job transfer but returned to Louisville a year later. After nearly 40 years in Colorado, they decided to "retire" and set out for Las Vegas, where they enjoyed golfing, boating, and the many forms of entertainment there. Family ties drew them to Florida in 2021 where they eventually settled in New Smyrna Beach, to enjoy the beach, beautiful weather and laid-back lifestyle.Ray's good nature, commitment to family and ready laugh will be sorely missed by all who loved him. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528