RALEIGH, N.C. Arthur Garfield “Art” Raymond, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, following a courageous and long-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Art was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on December 3, 1947. A proud lifelong resident of Raleigh, he graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1965 before heading to his beloved NC State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology in 1969.
Art went on to build a distinguished and highly impactful career as a consultant to the wood products industry. His work took him to over 50 countries, where he advised a diverse portfolio of international clients and was regularly sought after as a featured speaker at global industry conferences. Prior to his retirement, Art served with distinction as the senior vice president of supply chain for Hooker Furniture Corporation.
Throughout his life, Art was defined by his generous spirit and commitment to service. He dedicated more than 20 plus years to NC State University, serving on numerous boards and committees. Passionate about mentoring the next generation, he shared his vast industry expertise as an adjunct professor for the Department of Wood and Paper Science and as a guest lecturer in the Department of Industrial Engineering.
His civic leadership extended to his alma mater, where he served as a board member of the Needham Broughton High School Alumni Association and chaired its scholarship committee. In recognition of his lifetime of service, Art was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the NC State College of Natural Resources in 2015 and the Medallion of Merit Award from the Sigma Nu Fraternity (Beta Tau #713) in 2025.
A man of deep faith, Art was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served faithfully as the chair of the finance committee. He was a man who deeply loved his family, a good round of golf, music that moved the soul, and his beloved Wolfpack. Now that Art has shuffled off this mortal coil, his family hopes he is dancing to “Give Me Just a Little More Time” by the Chairmen of the Board while joyfully reliving the Wolfpack’s historic 2024 run to the NCAA Final Four.
Art is survived by his devoted wife, Kathie; his son, Art III, and his wife, Hilary; and his cherished grandchildren, Benjamin and Katherine, who brought him immense pride and joy.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2723 Clark Avenue, Raleigh, NC), with a reception to follow at the church.
