Obituaries

I came to know Ray via marrying his daughter in 1971. That marriage has endured much as Ray endured, that was his greatest trait and he passed it on in spades. Over those years I came to know the man well, as he and I spent many, many, visits, and hours just chatting. There were times I would come to visit him in Clarksburg and we would ride the back roads with Ray showing me what he called the old home place in a small town place just out side of Farmington called Davies Run. He would take me to places where his dad dug home foundations with two mules and a bucket, to places where he built homes, which still stand today, to his jiffy wipe stand, and his exploits with John Morgan aka”Johnny Skyrocket” and Johns airplane & their famous airplane crash. He once went to Las Vegas with John to build a house but that did not quite work out. Then there was his stent in the Army during World War II of which he spent most of his time in the Pacific Theater and was awarded a Bronze Star although for him to tell it his greatest achievement was a cloths washing business for enlisted soldiers that he created using spare parts from planes and tanks to build his washer and spinner. Ray was about as kind and easy going fellow as you could ever find as he never met a soul he did not like or could not find a subject that he and his newly found acquaintances could discuss for what seemed forever. And then there was Rays reading of Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and Popular Electronics of which he was an avid reader, this reading lead to an obsession with the opportunities advertised in the mail order businesses section of the magazine of which he pursued for as long as I ever knew him.. Ray was a man of simple pleasures and efficiencies he was always looking to make use of any cast away to see what he could make of it. He was quite the craftsman but I believe he enjoyed house painting both, inside and out the best. Lastly I shall never forget him teaching me how to cook a poached egg and navy beans with fatback, like I said a man of many talents. A treasured friend, father-in-law and all adorned good fellow. My Family & I will miss him Dearly.

Posted by Jim Payne on October 18, 2020

Raymond Cordray, better know to us as G-Ray, you were a light on a cloudy day... never did a song go by that you wouldn’t dance to... you will be painfully missed by all... love you to heaven and back G-Ray... Nicki

Posted by Nichole Payne on October 18, 2020

Thank you God for blessing me with an Angel! Ray, I will miss your smile and laugh. I will miss having you in my daily life!!! I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of your family. With Love & Gratefulness, Debbie

Posted by Debra Clevenger on October 17, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss!!! Ray was an amazing man!!! He will be missed!!!

Posted by Karen Reese on October 17, 2020

Unk my uncle Raymond was a treasure of my family a wonderful man to share conversations with and to watch him play his harmonica and do his little dances he was able to put the entire harmonica in his mouth and clap his hands to keep time and dance it was a wonderful sight to see in his later years I seen it but a few years when I was young kind to anyone and helpful to anyone and I remember standing on street corners at Christmas selling Christmas trees for him he taught me how to make change in dollars and cents when dealing with customers he was so patient with me and greatly sad as his passing I loved him very dearly sincerely Douglas a Cline

Posted by Douglas arthur Cline on October 16, 2020

Dad, I see you have a new change of address. I’m hoping you arrived safely & was met with lots of family & friends. I sure am gonna miss you terribly & all our long chats. Politics will never be the same for me. Your one of a kind, a Rare Gem indeed. Thanks for leaving us with so many wonderful memories...we sure did have some great times & lots of laughs!! I won’t keep you, cause I know you already have some deal in the making...hope this one will be your pet rock! Be sure & send me your new number. And always Remember... I Love <3 You More then pepperoni rolls. Until I see you again Dad....Rest Easy!! Love, Bear Hugs & Kisses Rhonda, Mwah Mwah<3

Posted by Rhonda on October 16, 2020

Grandpa Ray, you will surely be missed. From the politics to inventions, the conversations and memories fill all of us with immense warmth and joy. I can still hear your harmonica and the laughter as you chatted with everyone everywhere you went. We love and miss you!

Posted by Jameson \"Jamie\" Payne on October 15, 2020

Ray will be missed by our family, we had lots of good times over 40 years worth. We enjoyed him, respected,& loved him. Out thoughts and prayers to to all his families.

Posted by Betty Kehrer on October 15, 2020

God saw him getting tired, A cure could not be God put his arms around him and whispered “Come to me” With tearful eyes they watched him, without suffer And saw him slowly fade away. Although we all loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating. With hard working hands finally put to rest. God broke our hearts, to prove to us, He only takes the best.

Posted by Belicia Akkus on October 15, 2020