Nov 15, 2012

William D. Ray McVay, 71, of Washington, died Wednesday, November 14, 2012, in Donnell House.

He was born October 4, 1941, in Washington, a son of the late William L. and Freda F. Headley McVay.

Mr. McVay was a graduate of Washington High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

At one time, he had worked at Findley Refractories as a straw boss and at First Christian Church as a janitor/maintenance person.

In addition, he was a photographer and photography salesperson at Kmart.

Mr. McVay was an avid photographer and Civil War historian and enjoyed woodworking. He was involved in Civil War reenactments and had handcrafted, working replicas of cannons used during the Civil War.

A local bagpiper for many years, he played at many funerals in the area.

Mr. McVay was a member of Friendship Community Church, National Pike Gas and Steam Engine Association, Washington County Historical Society and Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He was also a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, where he had served as post historian, was on the firing squad and a part of the 40/8.

On January 25, 2003, he married Catherine Miller Mounts, who survives.

Also surviving are five sons, William “Fritz” (Sandy) McVay and Scott P. (Melody) McVay, both of Washington, Mike L. (Betty) McVay of Fresno, Calif., Kevin D. (Dia) McVay of Wexford and Bryan (Angela) McVay of Texas; a stepdaughter, Kathy (Jim) Leasure of Washington; four brothers, Richard (Carolyn) McVay of Washington, Robert (Melba) McVay of Scenery Hill, Dave McVay of Washington and Jerry (Bev) McVay of Marianna; 16 grandchildren, Valerie, Amber, Fritzie, Cassandra, Cameron (Janice), Zachary, Ashlyn, Krista, Anastyn, Griffen, Morgan, Haley, Brandon, J.C., Mary and Daniel; three great-grandchildren, Christopher, Haley and Seth; and his first wife, Darlene McVay.

Deceased is a grandson, Cody Reed.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, November 19, in Friendship Community Church, Washington. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. in the church with the Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Military rites will be accorded graveside by American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Community Church, 354 Weirich Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.