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RAY E. WAMSLEY II

Ray E. (Butch) Wamsley II, 70, passed away unexpectedly at his Clarksburg, W.Va., residence on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013.

A native of Clarksburg, he was born Aug. 14, 1942 to the late Earl Leslie Wamsley and Cretah Pauline Coulter. His beloved brother, Stephen Wamsley, and stepfather, Bill Coulter, also preceded him in death.

Ray was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone. He did not know a stranger and was the first to lend a hand to someone in need. He had an unparalleled zest for life, family, friends and Native American history. He was an artist and an avid shutterbug; he found beauty in everything, and everyone.

Ray attended Pittsburgh School of Art after high school but left before completing his studies to join the military. He served not one, but two tours in Vietnam, voluntarily. He so loved his country, and his fellow servicemen and women.

Ray was retired from Newport News Shipyard where he worked for 23 years.

He is survived by his son, Ray Wamsley III (wife Melisa); grandson Liam and granddaughter Teagan; his daughter, Sandra Keller (husband Cory), and grandsons Aaron Jessen and Josh Keller, all of Gloucester. He leaves behind three treasured sisters, Kathryn Keith (Knoxville, Tenn.), Sandra Bennett (Lost Creek, W.Va.), and Frances Mason (Sistersville, W.Va.); two brothers, Ethan “Biff” (Jane Lew, W.Va.), Richard Gherke (Parkersburg, W.Va.) and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends whom he adored.

A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 25 at the Harmer Funeral Home in Shinnston. After receiving full military rites, Ray was inurned Feb. 26 at W.Va. National Cemetery, Pruntytown (Section 3, Site #361).

Memorials in Ray’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Ray E. Wamsley III 11967 Harcum Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061.