Raymond Glenn Donaldson June 19, 1938 - April 3, 2026

Raymond Glenn Donaldson
June 19, 1938 – April 3, 2026

Raymond Glenn Donaldson, age 87, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Turlock, California. Born on June 19, 1938, in Modesto, California, Ray lived a life marked by adventure.
Ray served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963, where he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany. He then served four years in the National Guard. Following his military service, he dedicated 48 years of his professional life to the Turlock Scavenger Company – retiring from the recycling department in 2006.
Ray was an avid motorsports enthusiast. He spent several years racing in the NASCAR Limited Sportsman Division in Altamont, Merced, and Stockton – earning the title of track champion in his final year. He enjoyed riding his Harley, taking his dune buggy to the Oregon dunes, and partaking in off-roading adventures such as the Rubicon Run with his Jeep in Lake Tahoe. He was also an avid member of the Valley Headers Car Club.
Ray enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, and river rafting. He also enjoyed attending car shows with his 1940 Ford and going to Black Oak Casino. He was a natural storyteller with a knack for witty quips and giving family and friends their own unique nicknames. He loved spending time with his grandchildren – never missing one of their athletic or creative endeavors. He took great pride in their educational and career achievements.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 63 years: Bonnie Donaldson; his sons: Monty Donaldson and Kelly (Dawnita) Donaldson; his daughter: Desiree (Rodney) Cameron; his grandchildren: Austin and Ava Cameron; his brother: Ron Cooper; his sister: Johanna Finlay; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Melba Finlay; his father, Willard Donaldson; his brothers: Gary Donaldson, John Finlay; and his sister: Lynda (Donaldson) Steadman.
A memorial service will be held at Allen Mortuary in Turlock, California on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 4:00 P.M.