Roscoe Ray Wurtz

Lakeland - Ray Wurtz, 86, of Lakeland, Florida, entered into eternal peace with the Lord, at his home, with all of his family by his side, on November 29, 2018. Ray was of the Pentecostal Faith. Ray was the son of Benjamin and Viola Wurtz of Pleasanton, Kansas. Ray was born in Pleasanton, Kansas, on September 15, 1932. He came from a family of 13 brothers and sisters. Later, moving to Kansas City, he owned several businesses. He moved his family to Winter Haven, Florida in the early '70s to own and operate several businesses. Ray was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, gardening, and swimming. He also liked antiques as a hobby. Ray was an accomplished and respected business owner and enjoyed helping people. Ray was also known for passing along wisdom about life. Ray spent his life providing and caring for his family and others. In his early years, in Kansas, Ray enjoyed race car driving. Then, while living in Overland Park, Kansas, he enjoyed spending time with his 5 daughters and wife Karen of 25 years at their summer home at the Lake of the Ozarks and, later, on family vacations across the United States. While living in Winter Haven, Ray enjoyed boating, skiing, and other water recreational activities. Being from Kansas, Ray continued to be an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. During his mid-life, Ray met and married Betty Tiffany Dennis. Ray and Betty enjoyed 20 years of summers at their Lodge in North Carolina. During their later years, they enjoyed owning and operating Tiffany’s Antiques and Tiffany’s Real Estate and Rentals. He then built and operated Tiffany’s Furniture and Appliances and Tiffany’s Realty, with the assistance of his oldest daughters Heidi Wurtz Langford, and Debbie Wurtz Harrison. Ray was preceded in death by his wife Karen Wurtz, the mother of his 5 daughters; a son, Randy Hoffman; a daughter, Debbie Harrison; and grandson Jarrod Ryan Strickland. Ray is survived by his wife, Betty, of 35 years, and 6 daughters: Alesia Hoffman Martin (Patrick) of Tempe, Arizona; Heidi Wurtz Langford (Bill Langford), of Lakeland, Florida; Haili Wurtz Marotti (Lew Marotti) of Labelle, Florida; Dr. Heather McDaniel (Dr. Gary McDaniel) of Waynesville, North Carolina; Dr. Holly Strickland of Lakeland, Florida; and Hillary Wurtz Dykhuizen (Steve Dykhuizen) of Lakeland, Florida. Also survived by three stepsons: Harvey, Herbert and David Dennis. Ray is also survived by 21 grandchildren: Devin, Lauren, Sydney, Noelle, Patrick, Kaitlin, John, Kendall, Holden, Hamilton, Hudson, Austin, Kristin, Lance, Piper, Max, Daniel, Andrew, Tiffany, and Brandon; 7 great-grandchildren: Gracie, Claire, Nicholas, Rowan, Blake, Dylan, Olsen, and one expecting. Ray is especially proud of his three grandchildren who are currently serving in the United States Army: 1st Lieutenant John Marotti, 1st Lieutenant Kaitlin Marotti-Pitts, and Patrick McDaniel (will commission as 2nd Lieutenant in August, 2019.) Ray was a true Patriarch and enjoyed spending time with them. Ray was a strong supporter of Lighthouse Ministries and numerous other organizations. Ray will be missed by all who knew and loved him. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with services following at 11:00 a.m. at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Ave., Lakeland, FL. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Cornerstone Hospice of Polk County. www.cshospice.org Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com