Paul Joseph Raitz, Jr., 66, of 2405 Pine Cape Court, Kannapolis, North Carolina died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, July 12th, 2008. Paul was the eldest child of the late Paul Joseph Raitz, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Kimmet Raitz. Born on August 11, 1941 in Tiffin, Ohio, he learned to value hard work and honesty as the son of farmers.

His education included St. Joseph's Preparatory Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, and he attended Ohio State University. He received a BS Ed from Ohio University in 1968.

Paul served his country in the US Air Force from 1961 to 1965. His professional career included teaching automotives and information technology, owning and operating Raitz Service and Sales in Athens, OH and employment with Automated Data Processing, from which he retired in 1999.. In his retirement he enjoyed working alongside his son, Chad, at Raitz Automotive Service in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

Paul leaves behind his loyal wife of 45 years, Margaret "Marge" Hock Raitz; sons, Brian E. Raitz and daughter-in-law, Christa, of Washington, WV; Paul J. Raitz, III of Charlotte, NC; Chad E. Raitz and daughter-in-law, Suzanne, of Kannapolis, NC; and Jason C. Raitz of Raleigh, NC. Paul found great joy in his family, especially in his grandchildren, Jack L. Raitz and Ellie C. Raitz of Washington, WV, and Anna M. Raitz of Kannapolis, NC.

Paul was preceded in death by his mother and father. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his siblings, Mary Jane Frisch and husband Leonard, John Raitz and wife Lynn, Charlene Ditslear and husband Michael, Nancy Boes and husband Bob, Joyce Wrasman and husband Louis, Kathy Perzynski and husband Tom, and Janet Dougherty and husband Mark, all of Ohio. He is also survived by his step-mother, Evelyn Raitz, also of Ohio.

Paul belonged to Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Kannapolis, NC, where he served his parish in many capacities over the years including, Church Council President, DSA Coordinator and leadership in fundraising campaigns. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Paul will be remembered for enjoying life with all of its challenges and rewards. He valued hard work, education, honesty and integrity. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening July 15th from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC. A funeral Mass will be on Wednesday morning at 11am at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, Kannapolis, NC. A visitation will also be held at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington Street, Tiffin, OH on Friday July 18th from 6:00-8:00pm. Paul will be laid to rest at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Tiffin, Ohio. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church Building Fund, 108 St. Joseph Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083.

Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com. Or hgmackfuneralhome.com