John L. LeViness Jr.

RAYMOND — John Lawrence LeViness Jr., 68, of Raymond passed away on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013.

He was born on Sept. 5, 1944, in Mount Vernon, N.Y. He was the son of John and Eva LeViness, devoted husband of Myra LeViness and proud father of John Lawrence LeViness III, Tammy Benson, Heather Steckino and Joshua LeViness.

He grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962. His youth was spent scaling buildings, ice skating on the Bronx River and pestering his siblings. He had many interests including boxing, martial arts, gymnastics and harmonizing on the streets of New York with his buddies.

John devoted 23-1/2 years of his life serving in the Air Force, proudly upholding the freedoms of this great nation. He retired in 1985 as a Master Sergeant. During his service, he was also the pastor of Heart and Soul Ministry, where he baptized and led many to Christ. He spent his life fervently spreading the message of God and prayed all would know of his saving grace. His wisdom of the Bible was expansive, a favorite passage of his was John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father except through me.”

After retiring from the Air Force, he worked at the Maine Correctional Center and retired after 13 years upon which he devoted his life to his exuberant family’s wellbeing. From him, they learned the importance of courage, respect, love of country, family, friends and the Father.

He was an all-around athlete and competitor. Many thought it was a great accomplishment to best him in a game of tennis. He love to golf, fish, garden and made a mean pot roast.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Eva LeViness; sister Carol Grimaldi of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; two nephews; and a cousin, who died in Vietnam in 1971.

John is survived by his wife and four children mentioned above; his brother, William LeViness; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and the soon expected John LeViness V; and three nephews and four nieces.

Services will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are by Dolby Funeral Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: St. Jude’s Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.