Fighting against the darkest side of humanity is one of Raymond C. Simon's greatest accomplishments. As a young criminologist, Ray exposed and helped bring the worst of criminals to justice, and not without great peril. His memoirs reveal how he nearly lost his life at the hands of one such villain, but by the grace of God and what he believes beyond a doubt was his team of angels protecting him, a split-second intervention saved his life. For that and many other instances of phenomenal events, he has created a spectacular life and thrived against all odds.
Ray's exploits include winning a singing contest at the age of five, which led to co-starring with Ethel Barrymore and Edgar Buchanan in his early adolescence. He came face to face with Pretty Boy Floyd. He beat two near-drowning incidents before he was 15, survived a burning Superbomber serving in the Korean War, fortuitously missed boarding an airplane that crashed minutes after takeoff killing all on board, and much more.
Now in his nineties, Ray believes he has survived because of the protection and guidance from the angels that have accompanied him all his life.
Many of us have experienced an inexplicable moment when doom was upon us, and somehow, miraculously, we survived. In Walking with Angels, Ray pays homage to those ethereal beings - angels the great archangels, spirit guides, saints, and beings of light who know and love us - that in our desperation grant us a God-given second chance just when it seems all hope is lost.
PRAISE FOR RAY'S MEMOIR:
"There are numerous times in Ray Simon's full well-lived life where he just could have just given up in defeat, lost his life, or lost his way. Instead, he sensed a miracle that shifted his personal journey back to a path of safety, grace, and love. His encounters will inspire all who read them to open their heart, mind, spirit, and soul to the guidance and protection of the unseen benefactors who walk among us." -Josie Brown, author, Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives
RAYMOND C. SIMON is Chairman of the Board, The Simon Companies, and has served as director for several local businesses and extensively in elected and appointed government service. Ray's exploits include winning a singing contest at the age of five, which led to co-starring with Ethel Barrymore and Edgar Buchanan in his early adolescence. He came face to face with Pretty Boy Floyd. He beat two near-drowning incidents before he was 15, survived a burning Superbomber serving in the Korean War, fortuitously missed boarding an airplane that crashed minutes after takeoff killing all on board, and much more. He has served on the Stanislaus County (CA) Board of Supervisors and runs numerous companies. Now in his nineties, Ray believes he has survived because of the protection and guidance of the angels that have accompanied him all his life.
KIMBERLY GERBER SPINA serves on the Stanislaus County Office of Education board, which she sees as a platform for championing alternative education programs for students who fit outside the usual educational "box," and mentoring youths, no matter their circumstance.Her fervent wish for all public elementary students to have the opportunity to partake in music education at a time music programs were being dismantled inspired her to start a non-profit in 2008. The Salida Performing Arts Foundation brought an all-inclusive strings immersion program to Sisk Elementary School. A fundraiser in her home included former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice playing the piano, Broadway tenor Dennis McNeil serenading, and world-renowned cellist Michael Reynolds, who each graciously contributed their time and talent to the foundation, which enabled Salida Arts to hire a strings specialist instructor and purchase over 100 violins for students, including a 1/10 scale modern acoustic violin tailored to the needs of a student affected by dwarfism as requested by his compassionate teacher.Kimberly was honored as an Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County in 2011 for her extensive volunteer services focused on children, founding Salida Performing Arts Foundation, launching an elementary string immersion program, and mentoring young disadvantaged children.She is the wife of a walnut farmer/retired corporate executive and mother of two sons, in Modesto, California. She is enthusiastic about reading, writing, editing, and assisting authors to develop their story.
