Raymond Formont

Raymond A. Formont (FM) passed away at the age of 75 in Cleveland, Tennessee on October 9, 2023. He was born to Horace and June Formont in Camden, New Jersey on March 15, 1948. He lived in Moorestown, New Jersey before moving to Cleveland.

FM was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who volunteered to serve in the Viet Nam War from July 30, 1965, to July 29, 1969. He was wounded by enemy fire and received a Purple Heart medal for his bravery. He also earned several other medals and honors for his service, including a Presidential Unit Citation. After leaving the Marines, he worked as an electrician and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union. He traveled widely as an IBEW union member and made many friends along the way. He was known for his independent spirit and his disregard for authority.

FM was a passionate music fan who admired the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, and Outlaw Country. He loved telling tales of meeting and befriending some of his musical heroes. FM also loved the thrill of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles across the country. He lived by the motto "Live to Ride, Ride to Live" as long as his health permitted.

FM was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by four children, Robert J. Formont (Lawrenceville, Georgia) Michael W. Formont (Knoxville, Tennessee), Jamie L. Formont (Nashville, Tennessee), and Bobby Lee Formont (Cookeville, Tennessee), five grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Glenn Formont, of Collingswood, New Jersey. He will be missed by many friends who were like family to him, especially his lifelong friend, Bobby Kendall of Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The family of FM is grateful for the support and assistance of their friends who were with him in his last days, Julie Redmond, Pam Cook, Kevin Bean're, and Donna Stinnett McGourley. They request that anyone who wishes to pay tribute to FM's life donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Forever on Two Wheels, FM, Forever on Two Wheels.