Ray E. Shirey, 89, the father of Grace Brethren missionary Vicki DeArmey, went to be with his Lord on Christmas eve. Mr. Shirey was a longtime member and leader in the Valley Grace Brethren Church of Hagerstown, where Daniel Pritchett is pastor.
WILLIAMSPORT, MD – Ray Ernest Shirey, 89, of 154 N. Artizan St., Williamsport, Md., passed away Monday, Dec. 24, 2007, at the Williamsport Nursing Home, Williamsport.
Born Monday, Dec. 16, 1918, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of the late Pearl Cromer Henson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Juanita Shirey, in 1999.
Ray served his country both in peacetime and war from 1938 to 1945. During World War II he was a 1st Lt. in the 106th Infantry Division serving in Germany.
He served his Savior Christ Jesus as a witness, Sunday school teacher, Sunday school superintendent, financial secretary, head usher and deacon at Grace Brethren Church on Spruce Street, and was a founding member and vice moderator of Valley Grace Brethren Church in Halfway, until a new pastor was called. He taught in D.V.B.S., Church Boys Club and also brought messages at the Union Rescue Mission and in Prison Ministry.
He is survived by three daughters, Rayetta J. Schindel and husband Hugh of Hagerstown, Vicki DeArmey and husband Larry of Winona Lake, Ind., and Rebecca S. Collinson of Hagerstown; one son, Robin L. Shirey of Hagerstown; one sister, Virginia DeLosier of Boonsboro, Md.; three brothers, Newton Henson of Hagerstown, Donald Henson of Hagerstown, and James Henson of Hagerstown; 10 grandchildren, and eight-great grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd. North, Hagerstown, with the Rev. Ray Barger officiating.
Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28.
Interment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Brethren International Missions, P.O. Box 588, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.douglasfiery.com.
