Raymond Lawrence Van Nostrand

Raymond "Pops" Van Nostrand Sr, loving father and husband, drew his last breath October 1, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. 

Born in NY in 1943, Ray started collecting reptiles during childhood, which lead to a lifelong love for them. He married Elaine fresh out of high school and opened his first storefront across the street from the Bronx zoo. They moved to Florida in the 1970s to follow the pet trade, and in 1987, Strictly Reptiles was opened. A book was written about Ray and his family and business called "the Lizard King." He became a Christian at age 65 and married Virginia in 2011. Diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2015, he spent his last years doing what he loved, collecting reptiles and talking to people about Jesus.

He is survived by his wife Virginia, and his three sons Ray Jr, Michael, and Alex, and 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be November 4, 2023 at Sheridan Hills Baptist church, 3751 Sheridan Street, Hollywood, Fl 33021 and a memorial celebration will be held at the Old Davie School Historical Museum, 6650 Griffin Road, Davie Fl 33314 following the service.

Please RSVP for the memorial celebration (so there is enough food!) to Mike 954-868-0661 or Ray Jr 754-581-4009

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to USARK FL https:usarkfl.wildapricot.org. or The Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.org

PLEASE DO NOT SEND FLOWERS TO THE FUNERAL HOME AS THERE ARE NO SERVICES AT OUR FACILITY.
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