Ray Satterwhite: The man, the myth, the legend

Ray Satterwhite 1952-2021

Ray Satterwhite was a legend with Aerus/Electrolux.  He started with Lux 1976 and was still selling until he passed in 2021. 

Ray grew up in the Oregon Hill area of Richmond - the house he grew up in didn't have indoor plumbing - He was 5 years old when the Virginia War Memorial was constructed in his backyard and was the first person to ever raise the American flag over the building.

He later lived in the Manchester area of RIchmond where he excelled in athletics - he was the starting quarterback and Ace pitcher for the Manchester Lancers

In 1970 Ray turned down a baseball scholarship to join the Marine Corps.  He graduated from Parris Island - then to Camp Geiger - Camp Pendleton - Okinawa - and then to Da Nang Vietnam.

He was in the 1/1 Marines Charlie Co and participated in many search and destroy missions.  During his time he was primarily the M60 gunner, but also was the radioman for a while.  His tour of Vietnam ended in 1971.

in 1976,  Ray joined Electrolux - He was hired by Bill Friedlander through mutual friend and salesman James Bland.  Bill and Ray would work together for many years - knocking on doors and showing Electrolux vacuums.

This is Ray and Bill at a home show in 1984.  

Ray being given a sales trophy by manager and long time friend, Wilbur Harnsberger in 1987

Ray and Joe Urso - In 1998 Electrolux was bought by Joe Urso - who later renamed the company Aerus

Ray and long time friend and Buffalo Bills legend - Jim Kelly.  Jim's older brother Pat started a flag football team with Ray in the 70s

In 2004, Aerus Electrolux became franchised, and Ray bought the Richmond area location in Midlothian, VA where we were for many years.

In 2013, Ray moved the franchise to the current location on Broad St in the far west end of Henrico Co.

In 2021, Ray was diagnosed with aggressive AML leukemia, that came from his exposure to Agent Orange during Vietnam.  Even though his type of cancer was extremely painful - he stayed in good spirits and was a fighter till the end.  He passed in late September - 9 months after his diagnosis.  

Ray wouldn't want to be remembered for cancer, instead he would want to be remembered for his devotion to his wife Bette, his kids - Bryan and Kristen - his service to his country - and his many friends and customers he had made in his 45 years with Electrolux.