Raymond Lucie Jr.: A life well lived on the Opinion pages
Raymond Lucie Jr. of Winter Springs was one of the most upbeat and hopeful people I never met. We never stood face to face. We shared only a few cordial phone conversations, but I knew him as a devout Christian who lived by the Scriptures. A thoughtful soul who championed the downtrodden. A patriot who gently admonished the president while calling for his critics to back down. A father and a husband with a deep love for his family.
I knew Raymond Lucie Jr. as a prolific contributor to the Orlando Sentinel Opinion pages. Just last year, we published nine of his letters, and in 2015, we selected his March 4 letter as one among 18 that we singled out to republish that year.
On July 2 of this year, his letter touting places of worship for their solace and sanctuary would be his last. Lucie died on Sept. 11 at the age of 81.
A U.S. Navy veteran, avid fisherman and Civil War history buff, Lucie moved his wife, Carolyn, and three daughters from New York to Central Florida in 1973. He worked long hours as a manager at various retail stores, while dreaming of becoming a published author, his oldest daughter, Cynthia, said.
Almost 20 years ago, Lucie realized writing letters to the editor helped satisfy his need to be published, and he became a frequent contributor to the Orlando Sentinel.
Lucie often would address the heavy issues of the day, but somehow he would find a way to leave the reader feeling encouraged and hopeful.
In his Feb. 28 letter after the Parkland school shooting, Lucie offered assurance that “safer places of education will emerge from the horrors of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Calm heads will prevail over the nonsense of armed fortresses educating our children.”
In his Jan. 1 letter, he favored armed guards in uniform in places of worship but not arming clergy. “I believe we’re witnessing a change of times, which calls for a change of attitudes. Protecting our way of life by protecting all places of worship is a good thing.”
On March 22, 2017, Lucie’s letter stood up for keeping a small cross honoring Vietnam veterans at Longwood City Hall: “The cross represents the very thing that we are famous for: a moral fiber borne on the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. I can’t imagine who would be selected to carry that cross out of the building and toss it in a Dumpster. Good luck with that one.”
On Sept. 21, 2014, Lucie responded to a letter writer who alluded that panhandlers are scamming bums. “She’s missing the crucial point that her few cents could make the difference between an eventual life of crime, mental illness or even suicide. If her contribution reaches only one honest hand, it could be the hand that changes the world.”
Perhaps his most poignant offering is his response last December to our call for uplifting letters for the holidays. He chose this venue to share his reaction to his doctor’s recommendation of hospice care for his advanced emphysema. Uplifting? Lucie made it so. An excerpt from the Dec. 3, 2017 letter:
“Although his advice was unexpected and a direct shot to the heart, I immediately thought of my loved ones, friends and acquaintances who will have to deal with my situation during this festive time of year. After all, they have their own expectations, hopes and joy for all of the positive things that only Christmas can bring. My news is not the gift that they might have expected from me. However, it is what it is and must be faced straight on. It’s my opportunity to affirm that the greatest thing I’ve learned from a long life is that God knows every journey we’ve ever taken and every kind deed we’ve ever done. Our love for his son, Jesus Christ, fills us with resolve, good will and purpose.
“So my days are numbered, yet filled with expectation of what is yet to come. Life is a wonderful thing — but just imagine.”
Lucie often would address the heavy issues of the day, but somehow he would find a way to leave the reader feeling encouraged and hopeful.
A memorial service for Raymond Lucie Jr. will be held at 11 a.m. today at Banfield Funeral Home in Winter Springs. A collection of his letters is online at www.OrlandoSentinel.com/opinion.