Howard Eugene Ray

Howard "Shammie" Eugene Ray passed on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, in Media, Pennsylvania. Howard went peacefully, accompanied by those who tended to him whilst he was in hospice care. Howard lives on through the love of his devoted wife Patricia, son Derek, daughter Heather, and granddaughters Kendyl, Donavyn, and Channing.
Born to Cleora Ferriabough, Howard was born on September 21st, 1941, in Raleigh, North Carolina. He and his mother moved to Pennsylvania when he was an infant. A North Carolina native, he was a true adopted son of Philadelphia. In his adolescence he developed an affinity for sports and community organizations. He played basketball, and fell in love with track and field, and tennis, both of which would hold great significance in his life. He joined Cub Scouts then advanced to Boy Scouts, Troop #205. He attended M. Stanton School, Gillespie Junior High School, and graduated from Thomas Eddison High School in 1959. While growing up in Philly, Howard met many of the most important individuals in his life, including his beloved wife, Patricia. Marrying on May 29th, 1963, Howard and Patricia shared a caring, compassionate partnership for 60 years. Howard also made lifelong friends with classmates, coworkers, and Air Force comrades.
After high school, Howard enlisted in the Unites Staes Air Force. He served as an Air Policeman from 1959 to 1963. This career provided him ample opportunities and allowed Howard to travel the globe. He was stationed in Kansas, Alaska, and was among the Men of Hahn, Germany. His final assignment took him to Florida, there he would have the honor of escorting and meeting the President of the United States. From 1963 he served in the reserves and remain there until 1965.
Howard was a consummate family man. He has two children, Derek born 1964 and Heather born 1969. He was a dedicated father to his children and provider for his family. He was a passionate and hard worker, consistently surpassing the expectations of his position. After his honorable discharge from the U. S. A. F., he joined the work force. Howard began working for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in 1967, this job would reward him with colorful stories for over 20 years. He worked as an Office Administrative Assistant at IBM from 1969 to 1992, he won over 7 service awards for outstanding performance. In the years approaching his retirement he settled into a mailroom job at Planco. He put his all into his working years, focused on building a life for his wife and children.
To know Howard was to experience the vibrancy of his passion for sports. He was an ardent tennis and track and field enthusiast. In high school he ran in The Penn Relays. From the years 1962 to 2021, he was never absent from spectating the event in Philadelphia, even after moving back to Raleigh, NC in 2010. His love carried him annually for over 50 years. Howard also had an immense love for tennis, a love he shared with anyone who was willing to learn. His adoration for the game ran deep and reached far. After leaving IBM, Howard learned how to string tennis rackets. He owned his own machine and, once taught, started his own small business.
Howard retired in 2010 and moved with his wife to North Carolina. There he was embraced by relatives and new friends. As an active member of The Fountain of Raleigh Fellowship Church, he volunteered as security and participated in bible study. In 2020 he returned to Pennsylvania to be closer to family. There he lived the remainder of his life surrounded by family.
Howard has three grandchildren Kendyl, Donavyn, and Channing whom he loved deeply. He took advantage of his retirement and provided his girls with experiences and opportunities. He shared his love of track with Kendyl, he shared his spirit with Donavyn, and his love of food with Channing.
Howard embodied the things that he loved. He lived his passions every day until the end. He was family, he was tennis, he was good food, he was an abundance of photos, and he was a good groove. We are privileged to have known and to love him.
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