Ray Thomas Walker

AIRVILLE - Ray Thomas Walker, 95, entered into God’s presence on Sunday morning, October 27. He and his wife, Betty (Bacon) shared 66 years of marriage. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at McKendree United Methodist Church, Airville. A time of visitation with the family will be held from 10:00-11:00AM. The Service of Death and Resurrection will begin at 11:00AM, led by his pastor, Gary Daugherty. Burial will be at the church cemetery. A time of food and fellowship at the Airville Volunteer Fire Company will immediately follow the committal service. A life long resident of Airville, Ray was born on March 2, 1918, the son of Thomas and Mary (McSherry) Walker. He was the last surviving member from that family. In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by two daughters, Donna (Robert) Druck and Patti McCaslin; two grandchildren, Robin Rae Wilson (Steven) and Thomas L. Druck (Melissa) and four great grandchildren, Joshua Druck, Ashley Druck, Shelby Rae Wilson, and Jarrett Wilson. Ray graduated from the former Lower Chanceford High School in 1937. He entered Millersville State College to major in elementary education, but he interrupted his time there to enlist in the Army-Air Corps during World War II. He served with honor in Australia and New Guinea. He returned to Millersville to graduate after the war. He taught in one-room schools in Lower Chanceford and Chanceford Townships until 1958. When the consolidated school was built at Brogue, he assumed the position of fifth grade teacher, a position he retained until retirement in 1980. He was a life long member of McKendree United Methodist Church and served in position of sexton, Sunday school teacher and on various committees for many years. He was a charter member of the Airville Volunteer Fire Company and maintained his membership for seventy-one years. He held various positions in the Fire Company including trustee, treasurer, assistant fire chief from 1957-1980, fire chief from 1981-1987 and returning to assistant fire chief from 1988-1998. He was a member of the York County Fire Association and recently was honored to ride in the State Firemen’s Convention parade in Red Lion as chief emeritus of the Airville Unit. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Airville Volunteer Fire Company, 3567 Delta Road, Airville, PA 17302.