Ray F. Spayd, 91, of rural Centre Hall, entered into eternal rest, on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, at his home.
He was born April 30, 1916, in Gregg Township, a son of the late Paul C. and Mary Helen Frankenberger Spayd.
On July 13, 1937, he married Tevola Kathryn Frazier who survives at Salem Hill Haven at Spring Mills.
In addition to his wife he is survived by four daughters, Patricia A. Zerby and her husband David of Zion, Mary H. Homan and her husband David, Brenda K. Burd and her husband Larry, and Gloria J. Johnson and her husband Robert, all of Centre Hall; a brother Dean A. Spayd and his wife Arlene of rural Centre Hall; fourteen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren, and two half sisters Cindia and Joyce
Mr. Spayd was preceded in death by a son Marshall R. Spayd, a granddaughter, Diana L. Johnson, a grandson, Jeffrey Ray Burd, and three brothers, Russell, Harry and Charles Spayd.
Ray graduated from Gregg Township Vocational High School in 1935.
He farmed in Brush Valley for many years, following the steps of his great grandfather, George Spayd, his grandfather Israel Spayd, and his father Paul Spayd. He later went to work at the Penn State barns, and later worked as a custodian at Grace Lutheran Church in State College, retiring after twenty one years of service.
Mr. Spayd was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Farmers Mills, where he served as a deacon, an elder, and as a Sunday School Superintendent, as well as having sung in the choir. For more than thirty years, he served on the board of St. John's Union Cemetery in Farmers Mills. He was also a member of the American Folk Music Association.
One of Ray's primary interests was music, especially Bluegrass and Country music. He was an accomplished string musician, including playing the guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. Through the years, he played at many square dances, at Grange Fair, and traveled throughout Central Pennsylvania with several bands. He also enjoyed woodworking and gardening.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p. m. on Friday, August 17, 2007, at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA and from 10 a. m. until 10:30 a. m. Saturday, August 18, 2007, at St. John's Union Church in Farmers Mills. The funeral will be at 10:30 a. m. at the church with the Reverend Michael Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Union Cemetery in Farmers Mills.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Penns Valley Emergency Medical Services, P. O. Box 650, Millheim, PA 16854 or to Centre Crossings Hospice, Suite 6, 2437 Commercial Blvd. State College, PA 16801.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuenralhome.com.