Ray was born on November 19, 1948 in Harrisburg, PA, the oldest of three sons of the late Adeline M. (Emanuel) Willard and Howard L. "Lew" Willard of West Fairview, PA.
Prior to retiring in 2008, Ray was employed by Metro North Commuter Railroad, NYC, for thirty years. During that time he held multiple positions, the most recent being Assistant Director Project Management, Planning and Development.
After earning his Bachelors Degree at Millersville State College, Millersville, PA, Ray joined the United States Navy to become a naval aviator with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Pilot Unit. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. In 1973, after completing active duty, Ray transferred to Naval Reserves. He then earned his Master's Degree at San Diego State University. He later retired with the rank of Commander after serving over 20 years in the Navy.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Ray is survived by two sons. His older son, Ray L. Willard, Jr. and his fiancé Hollye J. Baxter, and grandson, Maxwell live in Kansas City, MO. His younger son, Robert James Willard lives in New Fairfield, CT. He also leaves two brothers, Ross K. Willard and wife Ruth of Enola, PA, and Roger J. Willard and wife Patricia of Conestoga, PA and ten nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Prior to retiring in 2008, Ray was employed by Metro North Commuter Railroad, NYC, for thirty years. During that time he held multiple positions, the most recent being Assistant Director Project Management, Planning and Development.
After earning his Bachelors Degree at Millersville State College, Millersville, PA, Ray joined the United States Navy to become a naval aviator with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Pilot Unit. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. In 1973, after completing active duty, Ray transferred to Naval Reserves. He then earned his Master's Degree at San Diego State University. He later retired with the rank of Commander after serving over 20 years in the Navy.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Ray is survived by two sons. His older son, Ray L. Willard, Jr. and his fiancé Hollye J. Baxter, and grandson, Maxwell live in Kansas City, MO. His younger son, Robert James Willard lives in New Fairfield, CT. He also leaves two brothers, Ross K. Willard and wife Ruth of Enola, PA, and Roger J. Willard and wife Patricia of Conestoga, PA and ten nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Ray was born on November 19, 1948 in Harrisburg, PA, the oldest of three sons of the late Adeline M. (Emanuel) Willard and Howard L. "Lew" Willard of West Fairview, PA.
Prior to retiring in 2008, Ray was employed by Metro North Commuter Railroad, NYC, for thirty years. During that time he held multiple positions, the most recent being Assistant Director Project Management, Planning and Development.
After earning his Bachelors Degree at Millersville State College, Millersville, PA, Ray joined the United States Navy to become a naval aviator with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Pilot Unit. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. In 1973, after completing active duty, Ray transferred to Naval Reserves. He then earned his Master's Degree at San Diego State University. He later retired with the rank of Commander after serving over 20 years in the Navy.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Ray is survived by two sons. His older son, Ray L. Willard, Jr. and his fiancé Hollye J. Baxter, and grandson, Maxwell live in Kansas City, MO. His younger son, Robert James Willard lives in New Fairfield, CT. He also leaves two brothers, Ross K. Willard and wife Ruth of Enola, PA, and Roger J. Willard and wife Patricia of Conestoga, PA and ten nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
Prior to retiring in 2008, Ray was employed by Metro North Commuter Railroad, NYC, for thirty years. During that time he held multiple positions, the most recent being Assistant Director Project Management, Planning and Development.
After earning his Bachelors Degree at Millersville State College, Millersville, PA, Ray joined the United States Navy to become a naval aviator with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Pilot Unit. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Expert Pistol Medal. In 1973, after completing active duty, Ray transferred to Naval Reserves. He then earned his Master's Degree at San Diego State University. He later retired with the rank of Commander after serving over 20 years in the Navy.
In addition to his wife of 30 years, Ray is survived by two sons. His older son, Ray L. Willard, Jr. and his fiancé Hollye J. Baxter, and grandson, Maxwell live in Kansas City, MO. His younger son, Robert James Willard lives in New Fairfield, CT. He also leaves two brothers, Ross K. Willard and wife Ruth of Enola, PA, and Roger J. Willard and wife Patricia of Conestoga, PA and ten nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
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