John H. Ray Jr. 83, of Fayetteville, PA passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Born on September 14, 1940 in Columbia,SC; raised in Greeleyville SC, he was the son of the late John Henry Ray Sr and Lizzie (Harrington) Ray.
John was a Vietnam Veteran who served two tours in the Vietnam War where he was recognized with the following medals: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/DVC 60, Good Conduct Medal (2D AWD), Driver/Mechanic Badge and a Purple Heart. Although he rarely discussed his service with anyone, he was often seen wearing a “Vietnam Veteran” ball cap.
John worked at Grove Worldwide in Greencastle PA as a “Media Blaster” for many years before obtaining his CDL license where he eventually retired from driving trucks for R.G. Blankley in Chambersburg PA.
John was every bit as comfortable sitting on a bucket with a fishing pole (for hours on end) as he was working in the yard pulling weeds. He took great pride in how well he kept the local bird and squirrel population fed. His love for the local wildlife was very evident in the amount of bird food that was purchased monthly to keep the various feeders full.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Louise (Martin) Ray; two children, Christopher T. Ray (Cynthia) of Chambersburg PA and Maria E. Smith (Carl) of Summerville, SC.; four grandchildren: Nicholas R. Ray and Landon D. Ray both of Chambersburg PA; Jason L. Wells (Deanna) of Walterboro SC, Aaron O. Wells (Brittany) of Goosecreek, SC; and three great grandchildren, Eli H. Wells, Jaxson L. Wells and Loreali N. Wells; five sisters, Frances Mouzon (Laurie) of Kingstree, SC; Doris Amerine (Steven) of Las Vegas, NV; Mary Shelley (Donald) of Andrews, SC; Janie Branham (Jerry) of Greeleyville, SC and Rosie Osborne of Salter, SC.; two brothers Paul Ray (Debbie) of Manning, SC; and Larry Ray of Georgetown,SC. In addition to his parents John Ray Jr. was preceded in death by two brothers Curtis Ray, Roy Ray and a sister Mabel McKnight.
A remembrance of his life will be held by the family at a future date.
Arrangements are entrusted to SimpleChoice Cremation Services. If anyone needs anything please reach out to us to help.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.simple-choicecremation.com
