Ishpeming- Raymond "Webbs" Potila, age 70 of 414 S. Third St. Ishpeming passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014 at his home.

Raymond was born November 25, 1943 in Negaunee to the late Henry & Aune (Niemi) Potila.  Ray graduated from National Mine High School, class of 1961.  He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged in 1966.

Ray worked as a carpenter for the Carpenters Local Union 1510. Webbs enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially fly fishing.  He was a wonderful story teller, and enjoyed reading, woodworking and making his own fishing lures.  Webbs was an excellent fast pitch softball player and an avid Tigers fan.  Webbs had a passion for country music George Jones being his all-time favorite.

Ray is survived by his wife Mary Ellen (Rintala) Potila, whom he married on December 5, 1969, 3 children: Sandra (Brian Benzie) Pelkie of Ishpeming, Susan (Alan) Champion of National Mine, and Cynthia (Darrell) Hamilton of Havelock, NC, a brother Norman (Kathy) Potila of Ishpeming, brother in law Charles Rintala of West Allis, WI, 7 grandchildren: Douglas (Lynn) Trudell, Elijah Pelkie, Matthew Champion, Samuel Champion, Kaitlyn Keto, Samantha Hamilton and Selena Hamilton, 3 great grandchildren; Mason, Cassie, and Katie, special friends Jamie & Kenna Dobson, Todd, Heidi and Ty Kauppinen, Joe Rose and Bryan Johnson all of Ishpeming along with his loving nieces, nephews and cousins and his canine companion "Jayke".  Ray was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Carol Rintala and Sandra Jean Potila.

A memorial service for Ray will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

Ray's family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 3:00pm until the time of service at 4:00pm.

A luncheon will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church following the service.

Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .