Raymond Chew

Raymond Chew was born on January 4, 1936 to Jefferson Chew and Gertrude Thompson Chew. He was a Native American Indian greatly esteemed by his people. Raymond had many sisters and brothers. Raymond’s father was a Chief among the local Tuscarora tribe known as the Bear Clan. Raymond used to go with his dad to the tribal meetings and listen to the Indian dialect. Eventually Raymond’s dad asked Raymond if he would be the next Chief, but Raymond denied the opportunity. Raymond did not know it at the time, but God had other plans for Raymond. Raymond had an unmistakable testimony of his love for his Lord and Savior from a young age. Raymond worked at the Hiawassee Center in Niagara Falls where he met his bride-to-be Merilynn Hatfield. Their first date was Merilynn teaching Raymond how to drive a black Corvair. Eventually Raymond went to work for the New York Department of Highways Maintenance Division. During the winter he would stack water (aka snow) and during the summer he would cut the grass along the greater area roadways. Raymond attended a Christian college in New York and eventually earned his degree. Raymond retired from NYDOH. Soon after Raymond and Merilynn moved to Haines City, Florida next door to Merilynn’s parents, Herbert and Irene Hatfield, Sr. Raymond and Merilynn were highly active in their local church in Lewiston and continued to be active at Landmark Baptist Church in Haines City where Raymond assisted in the media production, in the Christian College, as well as in security for the campus. In 2018 Merilynn went to heaven after a bout with pancreatic cancer. Raymond is survived by his sister Stella and many nieces and nephews. Most of them live in NY. Other family includes Herbert Hatfield, Jr, Rod Hatfield, & Paul Hatfield with their families. Raymond was well loved and highly regarded among family and friends.