Dr. Joseph Raymond Wirts Jr.

Lindsay: I was so sorry to read that Dr. Wirtz had passed. What a surprise and a shock. He always made me feel comfortable when I came in to get my eyes checked. Very easy going and an outgoing man. I had been going to Dr. Wirtz for over 10 years, he will be missed. You are in my thoughts Lindsay. They always take the good people too soon, and Dr. Wirtz was a very good person and optometrist. Sue Nibley

We drive past Classic Optical daily which led us to schedule an appointment. Ray's gracious demeanor hooked us as patients. Over the next few years he and Lindsay showed a genuine interest in us as people, not just patients. We admired Ray's zest for adventure and enjoyed his stories. We were lucky enough to share a few meals and libations with Ray and Kim. Ray, we know that you are with us all in spirit but your presence will be extraordinarily missed. Cheers,

I'm very sorry to hear about Dr. Wirtz's passing. I know he'll be missed by many. He was in truth a kind person which is a rarity. All the best to family and friends who are in rememberance.

Dear Kim, We loved being neighbors across the street from you and Ray. He was always such a good neighbor....happy, friendly, helpful, interested. We look across the street each day and wish we'd see you coming or going to give you a hug. If there is anything we can do, please ask. Please! Jerry and Cherie

Joni & Penny, My profound apologies for having to learn about Ray's passing via an obituary or an on-line condolence. I remember Ray telling me last spring that he was in the worst shape of his life. I found that hard to believe because over the course of a few decades, I could never hit a tennis ball past him. We embraced the game together, which was the beginning of our friendship. Lately, I have been playing again so that I could challenge him to a game. He holds a little trophy somewhere that we exchanged together after each match to certify a reigning champion. He now permanently holds that title of champion. I reached out to Ray last June after his surgery and was glad to hear from him that "they got it all". I since have made attempts to talk with him gone unanswered. Obviously my fault for not being more pro active. Of late Ray and I did not spend that much time together. But over the course of near 30 years I am proud to claim him as one of my best friends. We used to say that friendship was like a savings account. We each made deposits that grew over time and unless one of us did something really stupid, we would never bankrupt the account. That account remains very wealthy. We spent many hours and days together when we were young men; learning the lessons of becoming a man together. Our joys are too numerous to list, but they always surrounded our passion for family, sports and quality of life. No words that I can write are going to comfort you for your loss. Ray was never the prettiest skier, golfer or pick your choice here; but he always got the job done. And he got it done better than most with his pure determination. Ray and you both are in my prayers as he now sits beside his Dad with God. My sincere condolences. Chap

Joni and Lindsay, My wife and I have been trusting Ray with our eyes for about 15 years. Him and I used to talk motorcycles and what we did on our vacations. He will be missed dearly by us. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Ray has been a good friend and college for 25 years me thoughts and prayers are with the family we will miss him greatly.

Kim, I'm sorry so sorry to hear of your loss.

Ray has been a friend and associate through optometry for many years. It has been a pleasure to know him. He will be missed at our meetings and especially at our Market Street breakfasts that were always made more enjoyable by his presence.

Please accept our deepest condolences for the recent passing of Ray. We, like many others, were fortunate to benefit from Ray as a person and a professional. I met Ray for the first time as a Freshman at Westminster College, the fall of 69'. Our dorm rooms were across the hall from one another and we got to be good friends while at college. I remember him telling me he was going to be an "eye doctor". We lost track of one another after leaving Westminster but surprisingly met up again at a Shopco optical shop years later. From then on I made it a point to have him as my "eye doctor". When he told me he was starting his own optical shop I was so happy and totally onboard with support. He helped my wife with her eyes as well. We will miss him. May his memory be eternal. Greg and Jan Floor

A little over thirty years ago, this tall, dark and handsome young man walked into the Optical shop where I was working and with his boyish grin asked to apply for a job as an Optometrist. Thus began a long friendship. Over the years I worked with him and for him. We always kept in touch off and on. Last Spring when I heard he was ill, I called his office and left my number and told Lindsay to let him know I was thinking of him. The next day he called and we talked, laughed and recalled stories and friends of old. He was full of hope, humor and had a great attitude. We talked for almost an hour and I will cherish that phone call for a long time. No one gets out of here alive but there are some who know how to live life to the fullest while they are here. J. Ray was definitely one of those people. He was one of a kind. He is loved. He will be missed. Liz

Joni and Lindsay I have thought of Ray often over the last several months and spoke with him twice. I understand the struggle and the fight he put up. He was always so up beat. From all of the condolences one can see he touched many lives in a positive way. Leslie

Dear Penny et al. We know what a comfort you have been to Ray, especially moving up there from St. George. We miss you and express our sympathy and love at your time of Loss. we take confidence in knowing we can meet again in the eternities. Love Odeen & Lois Manning