Vaughn M. "Ray" Wellman

Vaughn Moray “Ray” Wellman, 69, of Columbus, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2017 after a short battle with lung cancer. Ray was born in 1947 in Tallahassee, Florida to his late parents Dora Edith Wommack and Clyde Wellman. Ray graduated Franklin Heights High School in 1965 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served his country for three years including a tour of duty in Vietnam as a rifleman from October 1966 to November 1967. He attained the rank of Corporal and earned several commendations including a Purple Heart for wounds received during combat against NVA forces, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Ray was employed with the U.S. Postal Service for 34 years and was a proud member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 78 of Columbus and also served as a union steward for many years. Ray was an avid outdoorsman in all aspects and especially enjoyed traveling. He was an avid reader of many genres. He loved his baseball and could often be found writing down stats in his notebook(s) since childhood. Eastern Kentucky and the panhandle of Florida held special significance for him, those being the places that his parents were from and where he had spent much of his free time throughout his life. He was especially proud of his granddaughter Kaylee. Ray is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melanie Jones Wellman; son, Morgan (Melissa) Wellman; granddaughter, Kaylee (Nathan) Bidwell; sister, Roma (Jack) Wonneman; mother-in-law, Charlotte Jones; sister-in-law, Megan Jones Martin; nephews, Robert (Evelyn) McHugh, Troy Mueller and Dustin Martin; great-niece, Paige McHugh; uncle, Frank Wellman and many cousins, especially Kathy McDowell. Special mention to his close friends Doug Gulley and Mike Reyes, his beloved dog Holly and cats Lola and Sammi. The family would like to thank OhioHealth Hospice and the staff of the Kobacker House for their exceptional care and professionalism during a difficult time. Tidd Funeral Home of Hilliard is handling the arrangements with a Memorial Service scheduled for Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Hayden Enterprise Baptist Church, 6729 Hayden Run Road, Hilliard, OH 43026 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation preceding at 1:00 p.m. Ray will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers Ray wanted contributions to be made in his name to the following organizations: Fuzzbucket Farms Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, P.O. Box 87 Jamestown, OH 45385, online at fuzzbucketfarm.org; Kobacker House, 800 McConnell Drive Columbus, OH 43214, online at foundation.ohiohealth.com;