Ray Miller Wine
Ray M. Wine of Bridgewater, age 97, passed away peacefully on May 4th surrounded by family. Ray was born on November 27, 1926, to Jessie and Mollie Wine. He was raised on a farm in Sangerville, VA where he learned the virtues of a hard day's work and the joy of being in the outdoors.
Ray was a graduate of North River High School and received his degree in BusinessAdministration from Bridgewater College.
During WWII Ray served as a Brigade Message Chief with the First Cavalry Division in the occupation of Japan. This was followed by 25 years in the National Guard retiring with the rank of Major.
Ray was a 75-year member of the VFW and American legion, a 61-year member of the Elks Lodge, and a 65-year member of the Lions Club. During his membership in the Harrisonburg Lions Club, he was a Melvin Jones Fellow receiving the Lions of Virginia Distinguished Humanitarian award. He also held various positions on the Local Lions level to include Treasurer and President. He also served as Zone Chairman, Lt. District Governor and was on several state committees to include 2 terms as President of the Lions of Virginia hearing Foundation.
In the city of Harrisonburg, he served on the School Board, Park and Recreation Commission and 11 years on the Special Education Committee. In 1992, after 36 years of service, Ray retired as Vice President and Office Manager from Valley Finance.
As a 65-year member of the First Church of the Brethren he served in various positions to include Financial Secretary and Treasurer.
Ray was a lifetime camper. In retirement he and his wife, Ann of 74 years, traveled to all 50 states in their small RV. They also enjoyed cruises and visiting Europe.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Geneva Armstrong and Naomi Urbanczyk his sons, Michael Wine and Kevin Wine, his daughter and son in-law, Sandy and Bill Riner, and his nephew, Jimmy Smith.
Ray is survived by his wife, Ann H. Wine of Bridgewater; his daughter and son in-law Kim and Bill Poore of Winston-Salem, NC, his daughter in-law Layne Wine (Kevin) of Huntersville NC, and grandchildren Jessica Burrows and husband Corey of Liverpool, NY; Scott Wine of Syracuse, NY; Paul Riner and wife Laura of Harrisonburg, Carter Riner and wife Sarah of Harrisonburg, Matthew Wine of Chicago, IL, and Mollie Wine of Charlotte NC. Ray is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Ray will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and generosity.
A memorial service will be held at the Harrisonburg First Church of the Brethren,315 S. Dogwood Dr. on Saturday, May 11th at 2:00 pm with Pastor Marty Doss officiating. A reception at the church will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice.
