Ray Anderson

A. Ray Anderson, 90, formerly of Waterfall, PA and McConnellsburg, PA, went to be with his Redeemer on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Centre Care Nursing Home, Bellefonte, PA.

Ray was born on December 17, 1930 at Eagle Foundry, near Broad Top, PA. He was the son of the late W. Lee and Lottie L.. (Griffith) Anderson. 

He married Norma Gale Grissinger on August 6, 1955 and shared 53 years of marriage until her death on January 29, 2008. He later married Joy J. Murdock on April 18, 2009. She preceded him in death on January 30, 2018.

Ray attended Robertsdale High School then graduated from Hustontown High School. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State College with a degree in Agricultural Education in 1952. He taught in the Bellwood Antis, Glendale, Tussey Mountain, Northern Bedford and McConnellsburg School Districts before completing his teaching career in 1985 after 19 years at Southern Huntingdon County High School teaching industrial arts. He was also a life insurance agent for Modern Woodman of America for many years.

Ray was a godly man, serving the Lord in many ways, reading his Bible every morning as long as he could see.He was a long time member of the Calvary Independent Baptist Church, Saltillo, PA, where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and youth leader. Over the years he also attended the Calvary Independent Baptist Church of McConnellsburg, the Knobsville Church of the Brethren and Grace Presbyterian Church, State College, PA. He also attended the Altoona Bible Institute and would fill in at the pulpit on occasion. In the final months of his life he was fondly called “the preacher”.

Ray excelled at woodworking and filled many houses with cabinets, bookshelves, cutting boards, picture frames and candlesticks.

He loved to travel in his turquoise and white van “Minnie”. He crossed the United States visiting historical sites and natural wonders.He enjoyed deep sea fishing. His garden produced a bountiful crop of strawberries, tomatoes, corn, potatoes and grapes. He was “Mr. Fixit”, often coming to the aid of family, friends and neighbors.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Ruth L. Fenton and her husband Ed of State College, PA, his son David Ray Anderson and his wife Ellen of Palmyra, PA, and grandchildren, Beth Thompson and husband Patrick of Lancaster, PA, Jessica Marsh and husband Trent of State College, Adam Fenton of Philadelphia ,PA and Karina Anderson of Palmyra.

He is also survived by his step children, Joseph C. Murdock, Jr. and his wife Nancy of Santa Fe, NM, Joan D. Mellott and her husband Joseph of McConnellsburg, PA, step grandchildren, Cassandra Urban and husband Lee of Fayetteville, PA, David Mellott of McConnellsburg, PA and Leah Mellott of Chambersburg, PA and step great grandchildren, Anya Urban and Alexander Mellott.

Ray is also survived by five sisters, Alma Locke and husband Harold of St. Thomas, PA, Leona Brantner and husband Ronald of Lewisberry, PA, Grace Mellott and husband Lyle of Needmore, PA, Flora Bonzo of Corning, NY and Bettie Hershey of Bedford, PA, one brother, Bill Anderson of Wells Tannery, PA and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, W. Guy Anderson and Donald L. Anderson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Calvary Independent Baptist Church, 20258 Main St., Saltillo, PA with Pastor Dan Long and Pastor Chris Elliott officiating. Interment will be made at 2:00 PM on Friday at the Wells Valley Methodist Cemetery, Wells Tannery , PA. Friends may call at the M. R. Brown Funeral Home, 301 Pitt St., Hustontown, PA 6 - 8 PM on Thursday and at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund, ℅ Calvary Independent Baptist Church, P. O. Box F, Saltillo, PA 17253.

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