Raymond E. “Ray” Musser, 90, of Centre Hall, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Centre Care in Bellefonte. Born on October 26, 1931, on the family farm in Ferguson Township, Ray was the son of the late George and Edna “Evelyn” (Graham) Musser. In 1954, he married Barbara E. Rishel, who preceded him in death on February 11, 2021.
Ray graduated from State College High School in 1950. During his high school years, he raised sheep on the family farm and won Grand Champion with one of his lambs. Shortly after getting married to Barb, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he went to Germany and worked as a personnel carrier driver. Upon his honorable discharge, he began to work as a delivery driver for Nittany Gas & Oil Company. In 1965, he started working at Penn State University as a Heating and Ventilation Technician. He retired in 1991, after 26 years of service. After retirement, he drove school bus for Cole Transportation. He especially enjoyed driving the athletic teams to various events because he was then able to stay and watch the games.
Ray enjoyed horseback riding, playing slow pitch softball, and woodworking. He attended the Centre County Grange Fair all but 2 years throughout his entire life. He loved hunting. He was a long-time member of the Fleetfoot Hunting Camp. He was also a member of the Smith-Pletcher American Legion Post #779 in Centre Hall. He and Barb started a crafting business, going to various craft shows, selling the craft items they created together. They would craft in the spring and summer months, then during the fall and winter months, they would travel to Florida. While in Florida, they met many new people, gained many friendships, and picked up some new hobbies, such as playing shuffle board and Joker. “Leo”, their canine companion, enjoyed traveling with them and was the best companion they could’ve asked for.
Ray is survived by his daughters, Jody S. Beaton and her husband, Dale, of Florence, SC and Wendy J. Nolf and her husband, David Coval, of Centre Hall; three grandchildren, Shondra Badger and her husband, Chris, of Mount Pleasant, NC, Cody Nolf and his wife, Jen, of Lemont, and Kyle Nolf and his wife, Samantha, of Centre Hall; eight great grandchildren, Tenleigh, Braelyn, Karsyn, Gavin, Everett, Sophia, and twins, Charlotte and Isabelle; and two sisters, Betty Gilliland of Linden Hall and Sue Lane Dawson Zimmerman of Houserville.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at 11am, at the Emmanuel Union United Church of Christ in Tusseyville with Pastor Craig officiating and military honors accorded by the Smith-Pletcher American Legion Post #779 Honor Guard. He and his wife will be laid to rest privately at the Boalsburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Fleetfoot Hunting Camp, 207 Bell Ave, Boalsburg, PA 16827.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.