Willard Ray Brown

Willard Ray Brown

Aug. 5, 1939 – Sept. 7, 2021

Willard Ray Brown, 82, Hopewell, died Tuesday at home. He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late Willard R. and Mary B. (Hall) Brown. He married Ruth Y. Mock on Aug. 1, 1959 at Woodbury U.M.C.

Surviving is his wife, Ruth; three sons: Kelly (Sandra) of Seven Valleys, Keith (Effie Walters) of Loysburg, and Kerry of Pavia; three grandchildren: Tiffany De Bennedetto, Jessica McGurk, and Kyle Brown; 5 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Charles C. Brown (Karen) of Fort Scott, KS.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Doris Spade, and a brother, William.

Ray was a 1957 graduate of Robert P. Smith High School in Hopewell. He retired from Appleton Papers after 41 years of service. In addition, he also ran his own paper-wood business.

He was a member of Bedford Forge United Methodist Church, where he was involved with various committees there. Ray was a past Scout Master for Troop 94 in Hopewell and volunteered at the food bank for many years. He always had to be working and enjoyed mowing grass and helping others. He hauled football equipment for Northern Bedford football team for many years, and enjoyed watching games.

Friends will be received from 6-8pm on Mon., Sept. 13, 2021 and from 10 until the 11am funeral service on Tues., Sept. 14 at Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Woodbury, Pastor Beth Pyles, officiating. Interment will take place at Dry Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Bedford Forge U.M.C., 384 Jacks Corner Rd., Hopewell, PA 16650.