William Alfred Ray

     William Alfred “Bill” Ray, 87, of Craigsville, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Bill was born December 1, 1938, in Leewood, WV to the late William Farley and Effie Virginia Fitzwater Ray. He was a graduate of Nicholas County High School.

     Bill honorably and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a radio telegraph operator and was a skilled marksman. A skilled welder/pipefitter, city bus driver, truck driver, and coal mine operator are among the various occupations he held throughout his life. He enjoyed playing golf, watching football, and raising his chickens. In later years, he and Gail enjoyed raising their garden and, even more so, enjoyed sharing the fruit of their labor with family and friends. However, nothing compared to the love and pride he had for his family.

     Surviving to cherish his memory are sons, Timothy (Cindy) Ray, David (Diana) Ray, and Kenneth (Teresa) Ray; daughter, Elizabeth (David) Hellmig: 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren: sisters, Frances Preast and Janie Strickland: and brother, John Ray 

     In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail Shelton Ray: son, William A. “Bill” (Linda) Ray, II; granddaughters, Ashley Ray and Carolina Ray; brothers, Lindsey Ray and Benjamin ‘Ben Herald’ Ray: sister, Nancy Mink.

     A celebration of life will be held at White-Anderson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Summersville, WV on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, 12:00pm with Pastor Virginia Russ officiating. Family will gather at 10:00am and will receive friends beginning at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Rich Creek Cemetery in Jodie, WV.          

      Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitefuneralhomewv.com

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