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Raymond Francis Gannon, of Harrington, Delaware, passed away on February 14, 2026, after a courageous twelve-year battle with cancer. Ray was born to the late Howard Joseph Gannon, Sr. and Evelyn Saunders Gannon.
He was a 1976 graduate of Lake Forest High School, where he met his prom queen and wife of over 47 years, Christine Marie Entzian. Growing up on a farm in Andrewville and spending summers on his aunt and uncle’s farm, Ray developed a passion for farming at a young age. In high school, he began working for the Collison brothers on their farms. That co-op job grew into a career in agriculture spanning 50 years as an applicator, salesman, crop specialist, plant manager, and consultant for Royster-Clark (formerly Reeds), Milford Fertilizer, his self-owned Gannon’s Ag Service, and Nutrien Ag Solutions (formerly Crop Production Services and Agrium). Ray’s agriculture and farming knowledge left a legacy that shaped many farms and farmers on the lower eastern shore. However, his real dream was realized when he and Christine purchased their own farm in Andrewville, and he was happiest making the rounds through his own fields in a tractor or combine.
As a father to four children, Ray shared his love of growing things with them, teaching them to identify plants, weeds, and pests at an early age and inspiring his son to follow in his farming footsteps. One of his proudest roles was Pop to his granddaughter Emersen, and he loved being Gruncle Ray to many great-nieces and great-nephews. He loved giving many of them their first tractor rides.
Ray was a member of the Andrewville Ruritan for over 40 years. In addition to his farming legacy, his friends and family will remember both his silent strength and his impeccable ability to tell a great story. He is gone too soon and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his devoted wife Christine; his four children, Elizabeth Gannon of Elizabethtown, PA (David Rittenhouse), Matthew Gannon of Greenwood, DE (Rebecca Hickman), Ashley Gannon of Brooklyn, NY (Michael Secular), and Lida Gannon of Lancaster, PA; his granddaughter, Emersen; and his sister and brothers, nieces and nephews, friends and farming family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE. Family and friends are invited to a visitation starting two hours prior, at 11:00am.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home.
