Raymond "Ray" Glen Matiak, 81 of  Douglasville, GA, passed away, Sunday, September 29  ^th  , 2019 at WellStar Paulding Hospital, after a short, yet brave fight with colon cancer.  He fought for his family and made us so very proud. 

 A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, October 11th at New Season Church, 4457 Atlanta Hwy, Hiram, GA 30141, Pastor Steve Flockhart will be officiating.  Family visitation will begin at 10 am, prior to the service.  Inurnment will follow at 2 pm at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA, to include full military honors and all are welcome. 

 Ray was born January 16  ^th  , 1938 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Esther (Martinson) & Richard Matiak.  He graduated from LaCrosse Central High School in 1956.  On February 19  ^th  , 1968, he married the former Harriett Virginia Clackum of Marietta, GA.  Ray served proudly in the Navy from 1956 until 1963, graduating from the Naval Medical School.  After his service, he worked as a medical technologist for several of the WellStar Hospitals, including Kennestone, Paulding and ultimately retiring as Supervisor of the Lab from Cobb Hospital in 1995. 

 After retirement, he enjoyed relaxing at home with his pups, watching his beloved Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and other sports, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed being around the water and taught his children and many of his grandchildren, even nieces & nephews to swim.  He was a history buff and enjoyed watching Jeopardy.  He was a collector of such things as coins and sports memorabilia, although his biggest collection was of people's hearts.  Ray was not a man of many words, but the few he spoke would usually leave you smiling or laughing.  He was a good, loving and a dependable man.  He made many sacrifices to be a good provider and didn't ask for much in return.  He is loved deeply and will be missed immensely. 

 Ray is survived by his wife, Harriett, two sons, Joseph Matiak (Sherry), Donald Matiak (Stana), and daughter, Pebble Cole (Michael), and adopted son-in-love, Mark Lewis, all of Paulding County; seven grandchildren (Nicholas Cole, Samantha Cole, Ryan Matiak, James Matiak, Mikayla Matiak, Nathaniel Matiak & Liora "Lilybugs" Matiak); brother Joe Matiak of Onalaska, WI, brother-in-laws Dorris Clackum (Ann) of Dallas, GA and Jerry McClure of Biloxi, MS, as well as sister-in-laws Helen Clackum and Ruth Clackum, both of Marietta, GA and many loving nieces, nephews & extended family.  Ray's niece Karen Walton was especially dear to him and was his right hand in caring for his family during difficult times.  Ray is preceded in death by both parents, Esther & Richard, his brother Elmer Matiak formerly of Acworth, GA and his sister Barb Luedke formerly of LaCrosse, WI. 

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Ray's honor to either The Humane Society at  https://humanecobb.com/ways-to-give/donate/  , The Cancer Society at  https://donate3.cancer.org/  or his family to help cover final expenses, whichever is your hearts calling.