Tribute to Raymond Franz

Raymond Victor Franz passed away on June 2, 2010. Born into a family of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1922, Ray was baptized in 1939 and served as Circuit Overseer, Missionary and ultimately as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses from 1971 to 1980.

At a moment when decisive action was required, Ray resigned his leadership position in May 1980, due to actions of the Governing Body that disturbed his conscience. He later wrote about his experiences, along with scriptural passages that highlighted major issues with Jehovah's Witnesses dogma in two books, Crisis of Conscience, and In Search of Christian Freedom. These books helped many Jehovah's Witnesses to honestly examine their beliefs as well as the actions and decisions of the leadership.

After leaving Jehovah's Witnesses, Ray continued to answer questions from the curious. He helped many to discover their own path in serving God through his humility and scholarly knowledge. Ray was never interested in starting or leading a group of people. His only care was that others be able to worship God with a clean conscience, free of the fear of man, and free of intervention from the agendas of men.

Ray was universally known as a gentle man, full of knowledge and love for the bible and Jesus Christ. He devoted his entire life to helping others get to know Jesus through his actions and the Scriptures. Along with his love and humility was a desire to be honest and truthful with all, and it was this courageous honesty that defined him in his later years. It will be his lasting legacy.

Not desiring adulation in life nor death and in accordance with his Will, Ray chose not to have a funeral or memorial service. Married in 1958 Ray is survived by his devoted wife Cynthia.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their stories in honour of Raymond Franz.