CWO3 Raymond J. Andersen (Ret)

CWO3 Raymond J. Andersen (Ret), a resident of Dothan, passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at a Southeast Health (Noland) hospital. He was 78 years old.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Full military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.

Raymond was born in Copenhagen, Denmark 1942, to parents Reinholdt Leander Juul and Julva Klenk F Nelkjaer. Around the age of 14, Raymond and his family moved to Canada and later to the United States where he would become a U.S. citizen. At the age of 18, he decided to join the United States Army. Once joining, he became part of the 1st Cavalry division serving as a paramedic in the Vietnam War. Quickly, as many others, he had to learn to cope with many challenges. Fighting gun fire himself while trying to help save the lives of others. Later, Raymond decided to become a Physician’s Assistant and earned his degree from Baylor University. He was able to work in various hospitals, including Reynolds Army Hospital in Ft. Sill, OK, William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX and Lyster Army Hospital in Ft. Rucker, AL.

Raymond was awarded the Air Medal with Valor for heroism after his medical team was under enemy fire. He had left his position on the helicopter making sure the pilot and team were safe. Due to the pilot being pinned in, Raymond took charge in the situation and helped land the aircraft safely. Thanks to his heroic action, 11 lives were saved.

Raymond worked in South Korea assisting help to the officers and occasionally helping civilians. One of his most unexpected situations was when he saved a 9-year-old girl from a snake bite. The girl survived because of Raymond’s quick thinking. The community shortly there afterwards held a celebration in his honor. Raymond was also awarded the Legion of Merit award for showing determination and courage for his fellow man. After Serving 28 years with the armed forces, he said he had no regrets.

He carried many jobs throughout his life but was always a great husband and father. Raymond will be remembered by his loving and devoted wife of 20 plus years, Loma Dempsey; His loving children, Jennifer, Brenda, Ginger, Jim, Nancy, and stepson, Marcus; several grandchildren; and his two brothers, Erwin Andersen and Barry Andersen.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604