Edward Ray Epperly, of Christiansburg, was born on Sept. 15, 1926, and left his earthly home on Feb. 1, 2022, at age 95.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Rufus and Susanna Epperly; his sisters and brothers-in-law Dessa (Alvin) Moricle, Frances (Hugh) Dellinger, and Georgianna (Edward) Harman; brothers and sisters-in-law: Alec (Gaye), Clyde (Pauline) and Ben (Hava); and brother-in-law: Jimmy Wright.
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Maxine Wright Epperly; a daughter, Debbie (Pete) Tolley; a grandson, Brad (Christy) Tolley; great-grandchildren Christian, Brooklyn, Malachi, Mack, and Ali; a sister and brother-in-law, Margurite (Russell) Harris; a sister-in-law, Margie Wright; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was known as a man who served God and his church family, his country, and his own family and community. During his membership of over 60-plus years at the Christiansburg Church of the Brethren, he served as a youth leader, teacher, choir member, and deacon.
Ray was also a proud member of the U. S. Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class from 1944 to 1946 during WWII. His service to his family began as a young man working with his brothers in the logging and lumber industry. He continued from there to serve his family and community as a gas station owner and insurance salesman and as an employee of RAAP.
Later he was employed by C. W. Poff and Sons and served by helping many build or buy their own homes. After attaining his GED later in life, Ray served as a licensed Real Estate Appraiser..
Ray also enjoyed league bowling at Triangle Lanes and golfing with his daughter and, later, with his son-in-law. He and his wife walked regularly for many years at the Christiansburg Recreation Center and enjoyed making many special friends there.
These words help describe Ray’s character: honest, sincere, truthful, loyal, responsible and, always, a man of integrity. Ray also enjoyed good, clean humor. He was well known for the witty, clever answers he could spontaneously reply to questions asked him. Usually a man of few words, it was also known that when Ray spoke, those words were worth hearing.
Visitation was held on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022, followed by a service at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg, with Pastor Hal Sonafrank of the Christiansburg Church of the Brethren officiating. Interment followed immediately at Sunset Cemetery.
Ray was privileged to be cared for by his greatest supporter, his wife Maxine, until the end.The family appreciates the care and support given by the staff at Radford Health and Rehabilitation Center and especially by the staff of Commonwealth Senior Living at Christiansburg and the staff of Kindred Hospice. Ray was also fortunate to be surrounded by compassionate and loving neighbors for whom the family is grateful.
If desired, memorials may be made to Hope to Walk, 3635 A South Main St., Blacksburg, VA 24060.
