Obituaries

Raymond Milton Cordray, 96, of Clarksburg WV. passed away peacefully October 8, 2020, surrounded by his Daughters. Ray was born on February 5, 1924, to parents George & Lena Reel Cordray, of Farmington, WV.

“Raymond would like to let you know that his work here is done. He received a call, sort of an offer he could not refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, great job security and a reunion with family & friends he has not seen in a very long time. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be swooning the ladies, playing his harmonica & socializing to his heart’s content. Music, Love & Laughter are 110% guaranteed. The chili hotdogs will be delicious & the beer overflowing. He left instructions for his daughters to celebrate his mission here which has now been completed… Typical for Ray…it took him awhile”.

After graduating High School at East Fairmont High, he went into the Army during WWII, serving in the Pacific, receiving a Bronze Star. He returned to work at Fairmont Aluminum Company where he retired. He had a great entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for that “pet rock”. Ray had several small businesses over his lifetime, including an ice cream stand called the “Jiffy Whip”.  He was fascinated with the mail order business & still working on his dream to the end.

Ray loved to play the harmonica; I do not think there was a tune he didn’t know. He lived life through simple pleasures chatting with family & friends and never met a stranger.  He loved to tell stories & could talk forever. Anyone that knew him would say he was a real “Gentleman”.

Raymond was Preceded in death by his Loving Parents, George Milton & Lena Bertha (Reel) Cordray; and five sisters, Cleo Maxine Glasscock, Mary Margaret Gibson, Jane Madeline Wadsworth, Elizabeth M. Baker and Eva Christine Cline.

Surviving are his two daughters, Rhonda K. Cordray-Payne & her husband James, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Kimberly Cordray Bruno & her husband Falco, of Fredericksburg Virginia; stepdaughter, Debra Clevenger of Clarksburg WV; three stepsons, Carl Johnston, of Tewksbury Ma., Robert Kann, of Chesapeake VA, and Ronald Kann, of Fairmont, WV; seven Grandchildren, Nichole Payne, Jameson Payne, Lawrence Bruno, Tiffany Swidrak, Michael Bruno, Lisa Bruno & Falco Bruno; five Great grandchildren, Cordray Baca, Belicia Akkus, Samantha Payne, Jameson Payne,II, and Chase Swidrak; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort on Monday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, where funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm with Pastor Karen Richards officiating.  Interment will follow in the WV National Cemetery where full military graveside rites will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Raymond’s memory to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust at donate.dav.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com.  A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.