Ray Allen Panula, age 74 of Buhl died unexpectedly on May 29, 2021. He was born February 20, 1947 in Hibbing the son of Taimi and Roy Panula. He was confirmed at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hibbing and attended Hibbing Schools. Ray entered the Navy on 6 JAN 1966 and served on Nightly River Boat Patrols while stationed at Da Nang and Cua Viet Vietnam. He served on the USS Delta and the USS Decatur. Ray was discharged on 3 OCT 1969 as a Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class. He was a member of the VFW Post # 8510 in Hibbing, and the Kolstad Chapter #23 of the Disabled American Veterans in Virginia. After his discharge, Ray worked as an equipment operator for the Village of Hibbing, US Steel Minntac, and was an owner operator for Northstar Transport until Multiple Sclerosis forced his retirement.

Ray enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, cooking, and his cars.

Ray is survived by his children: Heather Panula of Hibbing, Derek (Brittany Bennet) Panula of Duluth and Desirae (Duke) Archambeau of Duluth; brothers: Kenneth "Butch" (Sharon) Panula of Britt and Francis John (Karen) Panula of Hibbing; grandchildren: Mary, Hillary, Enzie, Daedric, Draius and Daneia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

The Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Erik Roth will officiate. A Gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Honors accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard.  Inurnment will take place in the Minnesota Veteran's Cemetery in Duluth.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .