ANDOVER – Darrell M. “Wick” Ray, 86, passed away on Monday (April 29, 2024) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville following a brief illness.
Mr. Ray was born in Knox, Pa. on February 7, 1938 to Calvin C. and Phyllis L. (Whitehill) Ray. He was a 1956 graduate of Dubois High School in Dubois, Pa. and later served in the United States Navy from 1956 – 1962. On April 7, 1962 at the Christ Lutheran Church in DuBois, Darrell married Bessie M. Schmidt, who survives.
Darrell worked for 40 years at National Fuel Gas in Independence and Beach Hill. He retired in 2002 as Field Superintendent at Beach Hill.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Darrell is survived by four daughters, Kelly (Andrew) Jackson of Andover, Kathy (Stub) Joyce of Andover, Amy (Joseph) Croteau of Surry, Va., and Melissa Niedermaier (John Edgley) of Andover/West Palm Beach, FL; two brothers, Neil Ray of Montgomery, Ohio and Stanley Ray of Ruskin, Fla.; a brother-in-law, Dallas (Harriett) Schmidt of Dubois, Pa.; 14 grandchildren, Andrew (Sara Palmer) Jackson, Ashley (Barry Brown) Jackson, Cierra (Andrew) Dean, Brooke (Joseph) Billings, Taylor (Steven Towner) Jackson, Dustin (Julia) Joyce, Alexandra Joyce, Travis Joyce, Jimmy (Cortney) McAndrew, Cory (Amanda Hartman) McAndrew, Wyatt Croteau, Heather (Casey) Joyce, Alexis (Michael Baker) Niedermaier, and Maddie (Dominick Rafferty) Morris; 17 great grandchildren, Clara Dean, Jackson Dean, Elleanah Dean, Dallas Eanes, Stella Billings, Gracie Billings, Theodore Billings, Kadence Tierney, Keira Tierney, Karoline Towner, Seamus McAndrew, Odin McAndrew, Cory McAndrew, Jr., Killian McAndrew, Amelia Joyce, Charles Joyce, Everett Baker, and to be born in July, Emerson Rafferty; Patrick Dougherty of Andover who was loved like a son, dear friend and co-worker, Brian Billings of Whitesville; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a son-in-law, John Edgley; a sister and her husband, Onilee (Walter) Young; two sisters-in-law, Martha Ray and Beverly Ray; and an infant granddaughter, Haley Michele Jackson.
From youth, Darrell, aka “Wick” was a congenial, well-liked person and was voted Prom King at his Senior Prom in Dubois, Pa. He was very social, loved people, and had a great sense of humor. He took great pleasure in telling stories and catching any gullible ones along the way. Darrell was a past member of the Lions Club in Andover and of the Jaycees in Austin, Pa.
Wick was an avid outdoorsman. He spent a great deal of time honing his skills in hunting, fishing, and golfing. He delighted in hiking and had a substantial list of favorite trails and caves including those at Eagle Falls, Ky., Cumberland Falls, Ky., and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. He loved camping and made some great memories at Chenunda Creek with his grandson, Andrew. Frog Island, N.C., was one of his favorite places for fishing and other outdoor activities. Wick enjoyed golf and one of his favorite courses was at Knobbs Creek in Elizabeth City, N.C. He loved for people to gather and have fun and therefore was one of the original founders of the “Wick Open Golf Tournament” held at Vanderview Golf Course in Alfred. He also loved simple things such as feeding the fish in the pond behind the house or driving over to Canandaigua Lake and having a picnic lunch with Bessie.
He loved bluegrass and country music and joined in by playing harmonica. He had a great time at the Bluegrass Festival in Ohio which included one of his favorite artists, Boxcar Willie.
Wick nurtured many great memories for his children, including their winter camping experience in a snow-igloo that he made and finished off with a red wooden door; taking them out in the woods to cut down the family Christmas tree and dragging it home in the snow, building campfires and telling stories of his childhood.
Wick was passionate about Bessie, the love of his life, and adored dancing and singing with her. His family—kids, grands and great grands—were his treasures. He loved and was proud of each one of them. Spending time together and making great memories is the legacy that Wick leaves to those he cherished.
Friends are invited to visit on Friday (May 3) from 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover and on Saturday (May 4) from 1-2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Andover. Wick’s funeral will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation at the church with Rev. Christian Mattison officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Wick’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806. © 2024 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
My thoughts and Prayers are with you. May God give you his peace and love during this difficult time.