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Ray William Beach, 90, a resident of the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, formerly of Roaring Spring and Martinsburg, passed away Wednesday evening at the home. He was born in Martinsburg, son of the late Howard J. and Edna G. (Hinish) Beach.
On Oct. 31, 1953, he married Rhoda A. Wanca at Clappertown Christian & Missionary Church. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2021, following 67 years of marriage.
Surviving are three children: Randall W. Beach (Debbie) of Elmira, N.Y., Ronald W. Beach of Altoona and Rhonda A. Beach of Martinsburg; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bonnie E. Flaugh of East Freedom and Ethel B. Martin of Martinsburg.
He was preceded in death by a son, Richard W. "Ricky" Beach; three sisters: infant, Patricia Ann Beach, Ruth E. Beach and Audrey E. Beach; and three brothers: infant, Jackie Leroy Beach, Earl G. Beach and H. Eugene Beach.
Ray was a graduate of Morrisons Cove High School, Martinsburg. He served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army from 1954 until 1956, attaining the rank of Specialist 3rd Class.
After serving his country, Ray completed courses at Nyack Bible College and, in 1968, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in theology from Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, where he also worked as head of the electrical department for the entire college campus.
Ray had various jobs during his lifetime, including a pastor, electrician, dairy farmer and also a school teacher at both public and Christian schools. He and his wife, Rhoda, were instrumental in the creation of a Christian school in both Wellsboro and Harrison Valley. Ray loved serving his Lord and was a faithful member of Clappertown Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Blossburg Christian & Missionary Alliance Church and Harrison Valley Alliance Church.
He loved spending time with family, reading his Bible and playing cards with their friends, Marlin and Jean Cohick and Tom and Phoebe Reigh. Ray also enjoyed hunting and playing softball.
Friends will be received from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, at John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg, where a funeral service with military honors will begin at 1 p.m., with Pastor Caleb Moses officiating.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ray may be given to Clappertown Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, 3239 Piney Creek Road, Williamsburg, PA 16693.
www.bolgerfuneralhome.com