Obituary of Raymond G. Gesling

Gesling, Raymond G. 90, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Ashland, Kentucky, and member of First Christian Church. He relocated his family to Clearwater, Florida in 1951. He was very active in the community as a member of the Lion's Club, and as a business entrepreneur. He owned and operated the Rockaway Pavilion, The Reef dress shop and Surfside, all located on Clearwater Beach in the 1960's. He later built/developed and co-owned Lake Seminole Campsite, the first campsite of its kind for RV's in Pinellas County. He was a veteran of WWII, serving abroad as 1st Lieutenant in 316th AAF Base Unit in North Africa and Italy. He was predeceased by a sister, June Johnson, brother, Buddy Gesling, daughter, Sandra Lee Darna, and son Stephen Gesling. He is survived by his wife, Linda L. Gesling and son Ray Edwin Gesling of Seminole, daughter, Carla Biedermann of Palm Harbor and stepson Steve Davis of Plano, Texas. Grandchildren include David J. Simmons, Shelley Simmons, Jennifer Biedermann, Steve Gesling and Christie Fitzmorris, along with six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 12th, from 10-11am with a service at 11:00 am at E. James Reese Funeral Home in Seminole, followed by internment with military honors at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 12:45 pm. Donations can be made to the Soles4Souls charity at www.soles4souls.org