Evert Raymond Durrett, Jr.

Evert Raymond Durrett Jr., 68, passed away on June 5th, 2020 at Inova Alexandria Hospital. A native Alexandrian, he was the son of Evert Raymond Durrett Sr. and Katherine Ruth Lutes Durrett. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Darbie Gilmore Durrett, daughters Jessie Katherine Durrett and Ashley Rae Durrett, sister Sharon Hovda and husband Russell, brother-in-law Bart Gilmore and wife Crystal, 2 nieces and 3 nephews, as well as 3 cats.

    Ray, who was affectionately known as Red, was a graduate of George Washington High School, class of 1970, in Alexandria, VA. He retired from the Cameron Station Fort Myer Commissary after 36 years of employment. He worked for Safeway for 10 years and was currently employed by Target.

    Red was a lifelong collector. From a young age he was a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien and always had a passion for books that he made sure to pass on to his daughters. He always loved art, and took every opportunity to be surrounded by it and support artists when he could. He had recently discovered a love for gardening after inheriting  backyard vegetable patch from his father, and enjoyed going to pick-your-own farms and canning jams after eating his weight in fruit with his daughters. He loved collecting glassware and visiting antique shops when he could, and had a special interest in archaeology and history, and he never stopped learning. Music from many genres was a big part of his life, and he was always listening to something, especially Pink Floyd or Ozzy Osbourne. He wasn't crazy about TV (except for his favorite TV show Ghost Hunters) but he would always catch John Wayne westerns and Bogart movies, especially Casa Blanca and the Maltese Falcon. Most of all, he was devoted to his family.

    He loved people and was always happy to chat - with friends, neighbors, or vendors at community markets, artists, or shop owners. When a friend or family member needed help Ray was always there. He was a great dad, and was always there for his daughters no matter what, and he was a loving and supportive husband. His kind and generous heart will be greatly missed by his family and friends and his impact on the people around him will never be forgotten.

  His memorial will be held on July 11 from 2-4pm at Everly Wheatly Funeral Home. Dress code is come as you are, blue jeans and cowboy boots, ballgowns and tiaras. (Feather Boa optional)

  Those wishing to make donations in his memory should consider the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, 4104 Eisenhower Ave Alexandria, VA 22304 or the City of Alexandria Save Our Ships conservation fund.

(As of 07/01/2020) Please do note, due to social distancing guidelines, the memorial service capcity will be limted to 25 guests including family. Also, masks must be worn at all times. 

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