Raymond Louis Corper Jr., 78, of St. Johns, Fla., died Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N.C., following a brief illness. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on December 19, 1945, to the late Raymond L. Corper and Margaret Gallagher Corper.

Raymond led a most interesting life. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and became a pilot. He flew many different aircraft, including the Lear jet. After leaving the Navy, he continued to fly Lear jets, transporting organs that were needed for transplants. He later worked as the Simcom instructor for simulated flight training. Raymond also had a degree in accounting. He was a devout Catholic and a member of Knights of Columbus. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.

Those left to cherish his memory include a son, Tyson Corper (Shontell) of Florida; daughter, Mandi Rae Corper (Travis Cameron Kurfees) of Statesville; five grandchildren, Abbigail Corper, Kendyl Corper, Isabell Corper, Daisy Rose Kurfees, and Waylon Ryder Kurfees; and a sister, Joan Owens of Florida.

A graveside service will be held in Pennsylvania.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Corper family.