Raymond Matthew Trewhella, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on September 27, 2013. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 59 years, Julianne Anderson Trewhella, on February 11, 2013.

The son of the late Stephen and Hilma Trewhella, Ray was born March 1, 1935 in Palmer, Michigan.

Ray is survived by daughters, Debbie Burroughs (Jim), Isle of Palms, SC; Joanne Thielker (Curt), Cramerton, NC; and Kathleen Trewhella-Grant, Simpsonville, SC; grandchildren, Jimmy Burroughs(Stephanie); Ray and Bret Burroughs; Matthew Thielker (Jennifer); and Trista and Brett Shigley; and great-grandchildren, Jay, Ty and Lexi Burroughs. Also brothers, Harold Trewhella and Richard Trewhella (Karen); sister Joyce Herman, (Robert); sister-in-law Kitty Trewhella; as well as 25 nieces and 24 nephews and many other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by brother
Stephen Trewhella.

A long-time local executive, Ray became Executive Vice President of Glassmaster Co., a manufacturer of fiberglass boats and related marine products, in 1967 at age 32, President in 1970, and then Chairman & CEO in 2001, retiring in 2007. He was an avid boater who loved sharing his love of the water.

In his early career, Ray developed a capacitor for the missile and space program while serving as a senior engineer for GE Company. He lettered in basketball for both Michigan Tech and the University of South Carolina, and was inducted into the Michigan Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1973 Ray received the OKIE award, a Key to Intelligence and Enterprise that entitles him to be an honored citizen, from the State of Oklahoma and then- U.S. Senator Dewey F. Barlette. Ray was Chairman of the Columbia, SC Manufacturer's Council 1975-'76 and Chairman of the Columbia, SC Chamber of Commerce 1976-'79.

In April 2013, Ray was elected to Michigan Tech's Academy of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics in recognition of his significant contributions to the engineering profession. He also served as a Church School Superintendent of St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church where he was a member for more than 50 years.

Outgoing and generous, Ray loved his family and friends and enjoyed following Gamecock athletics and the Greenbay Packers.

Friends will be received starting at 2:30 pm on Thursday, October 3rd at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, SC. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm, followed by a private burial. Memorials may be made to the church's Foundation, Five Oaks Academy Annual Fund or charities of your choice.